WB960 
c6U9t  ••  " 

1905 
Clymer,  Reuben  Swinburae 

Thomsonian  system  of  medicinepl. 


DATE 


ISSUED    TO 


--CAT.    No     23-115  PRINTED   IN   U.  S. 


THE 


QTIOMSONIAN  SYSTEM 
OF  MEDICINE! 


With    complete    rules     for    the  treatment   of 
Disease.     Also  a  short  Materia  Medica 


R:-SWINBURNE  £LYMER,  Ph.  D.,  M.  D 


Former  Supt.  of  the  Health  League  Sanitarium,  Inc.  of  New 
York  City.     Honorary  Fellow  of  the  Thompsonian  Physio- 
Medical  College  of  England,  Diplomate  in  Osteopathy 
of  the  English  School  of  Osteopathy,  and  Member 
of  the  Physio-Medical  Board  of  Great  Britian 
and  Ireland,    etc. 


Published  by 

The  Philosophical  Publishing    Co. 
A.llento\vn,  Pa. 


COPYRIGHTED 


Preface. 


In  compiling  this  work,  I  do  not  wish  the  reader  to 
think  that  it  is  wholly  the  product  of  my  brain,  but 
rather  wish  it  to  be  understood  that  I  am  acting  in 
the  capacity  of  compiler.  I  have  taken  many  thoughts 
from  such  men  as  Dr.  Thomson,  the  founder  of  the 
system,  and  from  Drs.  Comfort,  Greer,  Lyle  and 
others,  and  have  clothed  them  in  a  new  dress  so  as  to 
make  one  complete  and  harmonious  whole,  always 
standing  by  such  things  as  I  know  to  be  absolute 
facts,  and  never  allowing  anything  of  a  theoretical 
nature  to  enter.  I  have  proven  all  things  by  my  own 
extensive  practice  and  know  that  what  I  give  to  the 
reader  are  facts. 

In  many  places  I  give  the  system  just  as  it  was 
taught  by  Dr.  Thomson,  without  adding  anything  to 
it,  as  nothing  could  be  added  that  would  add  to  the 
value  of  it  and  my  only  excuse  is,  that  I  do  not  wish 
the  work  started  by  Dr.  Thomson  to  pass  unnoticed. 
In  nearly  every  case  when  I  quote  another  author  I 
give  full  credit  and,  therefore,  I  cannot  be  accused  of 
stealing. 

Poisons  as  medicine,  is  partly  from  the  writings  of 


4  THE  THOMSONIAN 

the  well-known  Prof.  Kirk,  of  Edinburg,  Scotland,  as 
great  a  reformer  in  his  own  country  as  was  Dr. 
Thomson  in  America,  and  whom  all  Europe  should 
honor  and  follow.  Should  this  be  done,  we  could 
then  say  that  medicine  was  fast  becoming  a  science 
instead  of  being  an  Art  and  simply  experiments.  The 
Thomsonian  or  Physio-Medical  system  of  practice  is 
no  longer  an  Art,  but  is  really  a  science,  as  the  true 
Physio-Medicalist  does  know  what  effects  on  the 
system  his  medicines  will  have  in  nearly  every  given 
case. 

Poisons  should  not  be  used  as  medicines  and  it  is 
absolutely  unnecessary  to  do  so.  We  have  non- 
poisonous  and  innocent  agents  that  will  give  better 
results  in  the  treatment  of  disease  without  there  being 
any  danger  of  killing  the  patients  with  the  medicine 
that  is  given. 

The  philosophy  and  principles  of  the  Thomsonian 
system  is  that  which  was  taught  by  Dr.  Thomson 
himself  and  later  formulated  by  the  well-known  Dr. 
Comfort.  Every  true  Herbalist,  and  Physio-Medi- 
calist subscribes  and  holds  to  this  philosophy,  as  it  is 
the  only  true  philosophy  and  the  only  one  in  which 
no  flaw  can  be  found.  It  is  a  philosophy  of  life  and 
one  that  it  would  be  well  if  all  men,  physicians  or 
laymen,  would  understand  thoroughly.  A  great 
deal  of  life  would  be  saved  and  much  suffering 
avoided.  Although  this  philosophy  was  first  taught 
nearly  a  hundred  years  ago,  no  change  has  been 
found  necessary,  it  is  therefore  such  a  philosophy  as 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  5 

no  other  school  of  medicine  or  healing  has  ever  been 
able  to  give  to  the  world.  This  alone  proves  that  the 
Physio-Medical  system  is  founded  on  truth  and  that 
sooner  or  later,  all  schools  must  subscribe  to  it. 

Emetics  are  not  employed  as  universally  to-day  as 
they  were  in  former  days.  The  reason  for  this  is  not 
because  they  will  not  do  all  that  is  claimed  for  them, 
but  on  account  of  the  wrong  philosophy  that  has  been 
taught  to  the  people,  by  the  so-called  Regular 
Schools,  for  many  hundreds  of  years,  and  as  I  have 
said  in  the  body  of  the  book  people  seem  to  think 
that  a  medicine  that  causes  them  to  vomit,  is  not  the 
right  medicine  for  their  case.  They  forget  that  in 
childhood  stomach  trouble,  medicine  is  very  seldom 
necessary,  as  the  stomach  of  the  child  unloads  itself 
through  vomiting  and  the  child  is  as  before  and  does 
not  suffer  the  slightest  bit  on  account  of  the  vomiting. 

In  my  practice,  I  do  not  use  the  herb  with  a  tea  as 
the  people  will  not  take  to  it,  as  the  call  is  for  "pills" 
and  nothing  but  pills.  I  therefore  use  the  one  grain 
tablet,  give  them  the  amount  necessary  and  have  them 
to  drink  warm  water  on  them.  This  does  exactly 
the  same  work  as  does  the  tea,  and  it  is,  according 
to  the  judgment  of  the  people,  the  right  way  to  give 
medicine.  At  the  same  time,  it  is  very  easy  for  the 
Physician  to  give  the  pills.  I  never  give  enough  of 
the  Lobelia  to  cause  too  much  vomiting.  Simply 
enough  to  cause  the  stomach  to  unload  itself  and 
then  immediately  give  Capsicum. 

In  other  cases,  I  give  the  injection  and  add  the 


la 


6  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Lobelia,  this  acts  in  the  same  way  as  giving  it  into 
the  stomach  and  is  just  as  good.  In  many  cases, 
vomiting  is  really  not  absolutely  necessary  as  it  is 
only  desirable  to  relax  the  system.  I  have  found  that 
this  can  be  done  by  giving  the  Lobelia  tablets,  but  not 
enough  to  cause  vomiting.  I  then  start  with  the 
Capsicum  and  such  other  remedies  as  are  indicated 
in  the  disease. 

Injections  were  condemned  years  ago  when  Dr. 
Thomson  first  taught  the  use  of  them.  However, 
to-day  we  have  large  Sanitariums  where  nothing  is 
given  but  the  injections,  or  "Internal  Baths"  as  they 
are  now  called. 

In  giving  an  Emetic,  the  physician  should  always 
be  sure  and  add  a  small  amount  of  Capsicum  as  then 
the  relaxation  will  not  be  so  severe  and  the  patient 
will  have  more  strength. 

Of  the  Steam  or  Vapor  Bath  nothing  need  be  said 
as  they  are  too  well  and  favorably  known  throughout 
the  world.  Dr.  Thomson  and  his  followers  are  to  be 
thanked  for  this,  but  very  little  thanks  is  given  to 
them.  They  are  of  the  utmost  importance  in  a  great 
many  cases  and  should  be  given  whenever  it  is  found 
necessary. 

In  such  cases  where  the  physician  finds  that  his 
patient  should  perspire  and  when  the  patient  will  not 
take  a  vapor  bath,  he  should  give  15  minim,  doses  of 
"Pleurisy  Root"  in  hot  water  every  fifteen  minutes 
and  he  will  find  that  the  patient  will  sweat  almost  as 
much  as  though  a  vapor  bath  were  given.  A  few 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  7 

grains  of  Capsicum  should  be  added  to  each  dose. 
There  is  always  a  way  of  handling  stubborn  patients 
if  the  physician  only  knew  it  and  it  is  only  practice 
that  teaches  us  what  to  do  in  each  given  case. 
Obstacles  must  be  overcome  and  the  physician  must 
expect  to  meet  them  in  nearly  every  case. 

In  giving  a  course  of  medicine,  I  no  longer  make 
use  of  the  tea  for  any  of  the  remedies  used.  I  use 
the  tinctures  and  have  them  handy  at  all  times.  These 
can  be  had  from  any  first-class  Pharmacy  and  in  this 
way,  they  are  always  ready,  and  all  that  is  needed  is 
to  have  warm  water  and  add  the  medicines  and  give 
to  the  patient.  The  same  instructions  should  be 
followed  as  though  the  tea  were  given.  All  remedies 
should  be  mixed  and  given  in  the  same  way.  The 
only  difference  is  that  a  tincture  of  each  remedy  is 
used  instead  of  the  crude  drug.  In  the  Materia 
Medica  the  dosage  is  given  of  the  tincture  of  each 
remedy  used. 

In  giving  a  list  of  medicines  used,  I  have  been  very 
careful  to  mention  only  such  as  I  have  found  to  be  of 
the  greatest  importance  by  a  long  term  of  practice. 
I  have  tried,  and  fairly  succeeded,  to  give  credit  to 
the  one  who  did  the  most  in  getting  the  remedy  be- 
fore the  people,  as  I  think  that  this  is  no  more  than 
right.  All  men  should  have  due  credit  for  work  done 
and  as  soon  as  this  is  done  in  everything,  we  will  find 
that  the  world  will  be  the  better  for  it. 

In  no  Materia  Medica  is  the  dosage  given  or  the 
remedy  described.  I  have  overcome  that  point,  which 


8  THB  THOMSONIAN 

is  really  a  vital  one,  and  have  given  the  dose  of  each 
remedy  described.  In  the  old  Thomsonian  works,  we 
also  find  only  the  English  name,  or  the  name  given  to 
the  herb  by  the  people.  I  have  given  both  that  name 
and  the  name  of  said  drug  as  known  to  the  Regular 
Medical  Faculty  in  order  to  make  it  easier  to  the 
beginner  and  save  the  trouble  of  hunting  through 
other  works  in  order  to  find  out  what  such  a  remedy 
is  really  known  by. 

In  describing  some  agents,  I  have  found  it  neces- 
sary to  hunt  for  hours,  through  many  volumes  in 
order  to  learn  by  what  name  certain  remedies  are 
now  known.  For  instance,  the  herb  now  known  as 
Feverfew,  Chrysanthemum  Parthenium,  was  known 
and  described  by  Dr.  Thomson  as  Featherfew.  In 
other  cases,  I  have  found  it  necessary  to  quote  from 
three  different  authors  in  order  to  give  the  reader  a 
full  description  of  the  article,  and  in  such  cases,  I 
have  given  full  credit  to  all  from  whom  I  quoted. 

The  Physio-Medical  Physician  is  often  placed  in 
such  a  position  in  which  the  patient,  who  may  have 
pain,  either  forces  him  to  give  Morphine  to  stop  the 
pain  for  the  time  being  or  give  up  the  case.  I  know 
that  I  have  been  placed  in  such  a  position.  This  is 
now  overcome  and  the  physician  can  turn  to  the 
preparation  known  as  "Sorbilin,"  stop  the  pain  and 
know  that  he  has  used  nothing  that  can  in  any  way 
hurt  his  patient.  This  advance  in  medicine  is  of  the 
greatest  importance  and  every  liberal  should  take 
advantage  of  such  discoveries. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  9 

With  these  remarks  I  will  close,  and  trust  that  this 
small  work  will  be  of  immense  value  to  the  Herbalist 
and  Physio-Medical  Physician  in  his  practice.  In  the 
near  future,  I  shall  hope  to  place  a  complete  Materia 
Medica  before  the  people,  and  that  in  doing  so,  it 
may  help  to  bring  about  a  new  area  in  medical  science. 

THE  AUTHOR. 
Allentown,  Pa.,  May  18,  1905. 


Poisons  as  Medicines 


It  is,  no  doubt,  a  great  thing  always  to  get  to  the 
point  in  any  case  at  which  the  disease  really  has  what 
may  be  called  "the  root  of  it."  When  we  think  of 
getting  at  such  a  point  we  find  two  very  important 
meanings  that  the  words  are  capable  of  bearing.  The 
instance  of  a  celebrated  physician  who  was  seated  at 
a  patient's  bedside  with  his  usual  strong  walking  stick 
in  his  hand.  There  was  a  brandy  bottle  on  the  table. 
The  patient  explained  that  the  doctor  "never  struck 
at  the  root  of  his  illness."  The  doctor  lifted  his  stick 
and  smashed  the  brandy  bottle,  remarking  that  his 
patient  would  never  have  to  say  that  again.  It  repre- 
sents a  great  many  things  which  might  be  struck  at 
in  the  same  way.  For  instance,  the  Teapot,  which  is 
itself  a  really  good  thing,  might  be  smashed.  A 
strong  decoction  of  tea  three  or  four  times  a  day  will 
bring  on  disease  in  the  nervous  system  of  a  very 
serious  character,  and  so  long  as  the  comforting  habit 
is  carried  on  nothing  in  the  world  will  cure  the 
sufferer.  Then  there  is  Tobacco,  which  is  far  more 
powerful  and  insidious  than  either  Alcohol  or  Tea  in 
its  action  upon  the  nerves ;  if  it  is  continuously  used  it 
will  produce  the  most  distressing  disease,  and  keep  it 


12  THE  THOMSONIAN 

up  in  spite  of  everything  that  can  be  done  even  to 
mitigate  the  symptoms.  When  you  consider  the  ex- 
tremely small  quantity  of  Tobacco  which  is  required 
to  affect  the  whole  system  in  one  who  has  not  got 
inured  to  its  influence  you  will  see  the  truth  of  this 
statement  that  it  is  far  more  powerful  than  alcohol 
and  tea,  and  also  more  insidious.  The  forms  of  dis- 
ease that  are  produced  by  Tobacco,  such  as  Paralysis 
of  the  Limbs,  along  with  a  terrible  irritation  of  the 
nerves  that  are  not  paralyzed,  speak  clearly  of  the 
power  of  this  narcotic.  If  one  would  "strike  at  the 
root"  of  his  malady  he  would  break  his  pipe,  if  he 
uses  one,  or  he  may  abandon  all  hope  of  really  good 
health  in  the  world.  Then  there  is  Opium.  This  is 
used  to  an  incredible  extent  among  the  masses  of  our 
people,  and  has  a  large  share  in  producing  the  disease 
and  degeneracy  that  prevail.  In  the  form  of  Laudanum 
it  is  sold  by  our  druggists  among  the  working  people 
to  a  marvelous  extent.  And  it  is  the  root  in  many 
cases  of  disease.  While  it  is  continued  it  is  perfect 
folly  to  expect  a  cure  of  those  diseases  which  it  con- 
tinually produces.  It  gives  most  delicious  relief  in 
many  cases,  and  that  for  a  shorter  or  longer  time; 
but  when  that  time  expires  the  relief  is  changed  into 
an  aggravation  of  the  malady.  It  becomes  one  of  the 
most  hopeless  of  tasks  to  cure  one  who  cannot  be  got 
beyond  the  reach  of  this  most  ruinous  drug.  Now  we 
have  other  and  worse  forms  of  poison  used  by  those 
whose  duty  it  is  to  cure  disease,  but  who,  in  the  use 
they  make  of  these,  only  protract  instead  of  curing. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  13 

There  is  Chloral  for  instance,  a  most  powerful  nar- 
cotic, and  one  which  gives  relief  from  restlessness  and 
pain  in  some  cases  in  a  wonderful  way.  But  like 
Opium,  it  too  creates  forms  of  disease  that  are  of  the 
most  terrible  character.  If  it  is  being  frequently  used 
in  any  case  it  is  useless  to  think  of  cure  while  that  use 
is  continued. 

Even  an  ordinary  reader,  who  has  got  the  least  idea 
of  the  relation  of  substances  here  employed  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  deadly  drug  will  expect  in  some 
measure  to  find  that  its  passing  into  ordinary  com- 
merce is  a  serious  matter.  We  feel  constrained  to 
call  attention  to  the  real  principle  on  which  all  such 
drugs  are  used.  The  principle  is  that  of  purchasing  a 
brief  season  of  unconsciousness  at  the  expense  of 
such  injury  to  the  nervous  system  as  insures  future 
distress,  and  lays  the  foundation  for  lifelong  misery. 
The  state  which  follows  the  use  of  a  few  grains  of 
"Hydrate  of  Chloral"  is  not  properly  sleep,  it  is  un- 
consciousness— that  is  when  the  result  is  what  appears 
to  be  sleep — but  it  is  not  the  same  thing  as  natural 
sleep.  So  it  is  with  Bromide  of  Potassium.  That  is 
given  to  produce  sleep,  and  it  requires  only  a  short 
time  of  regular  use  to  produce  such  lassitude  and  loss 
of  power  over  the  muscles  as  constitutes  a  truly 
dreadful  form  of  disease.  It  is  utterly  hopeless  to 
think  of  remedy  from  any  other  treatment  if  this  use 
of  potassium  is  carried  on.  Then  there  is  "Digitalis," 
so  constantly  given  in  irritations  of  the  heart.  In 
"The  Elements  of  Materia  Medica,"  by  Drs.  Bently 


14  THE  THOMSON1AN 

and  Redwood,  a  book  of  authority,  we  find  that  the 
power  of  the  heart  is  enfeebled  by  Digitalis,  so  that  a 
sudden  change  of  posture  has  often  proved  fatal.  But 
this  poison  goes  on  "soothing"  a  patient  so  constantly 
that  though  all  the  time  it  is  taking  away  life  it  is 
looked  upon  as  a  blessing.  A  patient  for  instance,  has 
been  for  many  months  using  "Digitalis."  Somehow, 
though  always  "soothed"  and  his  pulse  rendered 
regular  when  he  gets  the  drug,  he  does  not  recover 
health.  He  rather  gets  worse  upon  the  whole.  He  is 
persuaded  to  abandon  it,  but  all  else  fails  to  soothe 
him  so  as  to  carry  him  over  the  weaning  time.  He 
falls  back  upon  Digitalis,  and  dies  in  a  few  days. 
Could  you  make  that  patient  throw  away  his  first  dose 
of  this  powerful  poison  and  never  seek  another,  you 
would  prolong  his  days  by  years,  and  might  cure  him 
of  all  illness  he  feels.  But  if  you  cannot  get  the  root 
of  his  worst  malady  removed,  nothing  you  can  do  will 
save  his  life. 

"Aconite"  is  another  deadly  drug  often  prescribed 
in  certain  cases  of  disease.  If  it  is  used  with  any- 
thing like  frequency,  it  will  produce  death  in  spite  of 
all  the  remedial  appliances  that  any  human  being  can 
use,  but  even  at  long  intervals  it  will  render  nerve 
cure  impossible.  No  ignorant  talk  of  ten  thousand 
doctors  will  hinder  the  deadly  action  of  this  powerful 
poison  if  it  is  only  given.  A  very  little  study  of  the 
poison  will  satisfy  any  true  thinker  of  this.  Begin 
with  the  account  of  "Aconite"  as  given  in  any  good 
work  on  Materia  Medica,  and  you  will  have  a  fair 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  15 

start.  You  will  find  there  that  "Aconite"  is  "A 
Benumber."  It  is  recommended  in  PAIN  as  a  fit 
remedy  because  it  removes  the  pain  by  "BENUMB- 
ING." You  must  here  mark  very  specially  that  the 
"Benumbing"  is  not  that  of  the  pain  only,  it  is  that  of 
all  sense  in  the  parts  benumbed.  The  drug  relieves 
pain  only  by  destroying  so  far  the  sensibility  of  the 
nerves  affected.  It  destroys  the  Motor  Capacity  as 
well  as  the  Sensitory.  It  in  fact  destroys,  so  far  as  it 
goes,  the  Vital  capacity  of  that  nerve  system  which 
supplies  the  Motor  and  Sensitory  nerves.  If  the  dose 
is  sufficiently  strong  the  heart  ceases  action  alto- 
gether. The  smallest  dose  just  as  far  has  an  effect  of 
the  same  nature  according  to  its  smallness — that  is, 
it  is  so  far  poisonous  to  the  nerves — that  is  again,  it 
so  far  KILLS  the  person  to  whom  it  is  given. 

Let  us  now  follow  out  somewhat  the  light  which  we 
have  acquired  on  our  subject.  Here  is  a  patient  who 
is  helpless,  because  the  Motor  Nerves  have  been  so 
disabled  that  he  cannot  move  himself  in  any  way. 
The  nerves  of  sensation,  however,  are  excessively 
keen.  A  pulsating  is  felt  all  over  the  body,  prevent- 
ing sleep,  and  a  dose  of  "Aconite"  is  given.  The 
pulsating  ceases  inasmuch  as  this  Sensitory  system 
is  "benumbed."  RELIEF  is  felt,  and  the  doctor  is 
thanked  and  praised.  But  what  about  the  Motor 
Nerves?  Has  the  Aconite  had  no  effect  on  them? 
It  has  had  even  a  greater  effect.  What  of  the  Nutri- 
tive Nerves  and  their  supply  of  life  to  both  Motor  and 
Sensitory?  The  drug  has  acted,  in  the  first  instance, 


16  THE  THOMSONIAN 

on  these,  and  only  through  these,  on  the  Sensitory, 
so  as  to  deprive  them  so  far  of  life,  and  compel  them 
to  cease  giving  pain.  If  then  we  are  laboring  to  give 
life  and  motion  of  the  muscles,  by  renewing  the  nerve 
action  in  them,  what  is  the  effect  produced?  It  is  to 
take  away  more  life  in  a  few  seconds  than  we  shall  be 
able  to  renew  in  as  many  days — perhaps  in  as  many 
weeks !  It  is  in  this  way  that  we  find  the  use  of  drugs 
like  these  ruining  the  nerve  system  faster  than  any 
one  can  renew  it. 

We  particularize  these  drugs  because  they  are  so 
common  in  the  prescription  of  our  medical  men,  and 
even  among  the  people  without  prescription  alto- 
gether. They  interpose  terrible  barriers  in  the  way 
of  our  doing  the  good  we  might  otherwise  do,  and  in 
the  way  of  many  who  make  good  use  of  common- 
sense  remedies.  Further  on,  we  hope  to  take  up 
other  aspects  of  this  subject.  In  the  meantime  we 
would  like  to  make  one  or  two  practical  remarks  on 
this  subject.  The  first  of  these  is,  that  we  must  not 
expect  instant  or  even  speedy  results  from  getting  a 
poisonous  drug  discontinued.  Take  "Digitalis,"  for 
instance.  You  have  a  case  in  which  this  has  been 
used  three  time  a  day  in  the  twenty-four  hours  and 
that  for  many  months.  You  succeed  in  getting  the 
patient  free  from  this  constant  poisoning.  But  the 
heart  does  not  all  at  once  recover.  It  seems  as  if  it 
would  do  so.  The  patient  under  active  treatment, 
such  as  increases  the  vital  force,  rallies  for  some  days, 
but  a  time  comes  around  at  which  the  heart's  action 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  17 

seems  to  demand  the  poison  afresh.  It  is  exactly  the 
same  as  the  case  of  the  person  who  has  fallen  a  victim 
of  Alcohol.  He  signs  the  pledge  under  some  strong 
moral  impulse,  and  feels  free  from  the  demon  that  has 
cursed  him.  But  that  freedom  is  only  for  a  brief 
season.  It  may  be  for  days — even  weeks,  even  for 
months ;  yet,  at  a  certain  time  the  mysterious  nervous 
state  that  proves  so  dreadful  to  him  comes  on,  and 
even  his  soul  is  bartered  for  Alcohol.  So  it  is  with  all 
habits  of  soothing  by  means  of  poison.  Now,  one 
who  would  heal  his  fellow  creatures  must  be  aware  of 
this.  We  have  cured  cases  in  which  the  patients  had 
to  be  put  under  physical  restraint  when  this  time 
came,  and  the  apparent  need  for  this  drug  was  de- 
veloped. During  day  and  night  the  piteous  cry  had 
to  be  disregarded  in  seeming  cruelty;  but  the  victim 
was  rescued.  In  other  cases  the  root  of  the  Upas  tree 
was  put  back  into  the  soil  again,  and  the  life  was  lost. 
Even  infants  at  the  breast  show  this  terrible  power  by 
which  the  use  of  poison  enchains  the  spirit  of  man. 
Hence,  if  you  would  cure,  you  must  succeed,  in  the 
first  place  in  getting  such  roots  of  disease  as  we  have 
described  effectually  removed.  There  will  be  not 
only  a  difficulty  showing  itself  in  the  desire  of  the 
patient  for  the  drug  that  is  killing  him — that  will  not 
be  the  greatest  difficulty;  but  the  increase  of  illness, 
apparently  because  of  stopping  the  poisoning  process, 
will  be  greater.  What  is  called  "the  Weaning  Brash" 
of  the  sucking  is  found  in  nearly  all  such  cases.  But 
this  must  be  bravely  met,  if  you  would  cure  your 


18  THE  THOMSONIAN 

patient.  You  may  mitigate  the  "Brash"  in  various 
ways;  but  when  you  have  done  the  best  that  can  be 
done,  patience  and  intelligent  courage  will  be  called 
for.  Even  the  Tobacco  victim,  as  he  lies  during  the 
night  in  agony  for  want  of  "the  pipe,"  and  his  tender- 
hearted wife  begs  him  to  take  a  smoke,  must  have 
courage  for  a  little,  and  he  will  laugh  at  his  anguish. 
So  will  the  man  who  thought  he  would  die  if  he  did 
not  get  his  drug.  It  is  well  worth  while  to  "hold  the 
fort"  till  deliverance  comes. 

INJECTING  MORPHIA  under  the  skin  is  an- 
other form  of  using  poison  for  the  relief  of  pain. 
All  pain  is  the  result  of  something  wrong  and  affect- 
ing the  nerves  of  sensation  so  as  to  induce  us  to  put 
that  wrong  to  rights.  The  injection  of  Morphia  does 
not  in  any  case,  right  the  wrong.  At  the  very  utmost 
it  only  silences  the  nerves  which  indicates  the  wrong. 
This  drug,  while  it  does  not  cure,  or  put  the  wrong 
right,  causes  such  injury  to  the  nerve  system  as  con- 
stitutes, of  itself,  a  very  serious  disease.  A  nerve 
that  has  been  silenced  by  means  of  Opium,  when  it 
returns  to  activity  does  so  in  a  sadly  disordered  con- 
dition. This  has  the  effect  of  adding  to  the  distress  of 
the  sufferer  often  very  seriously.  The  addition,  too, 
goes  on  increasing  as  the  futile  operation  is  repeated. 
It  is  thus  that  disease  takes  a  mental  form  of  the  most 
dreadful  character.  The  poor  sufferer  is  made  to 
endure  horrors  that  never  arise  except  through  the 
use  of  some  nerve-destroying  agency.  But  the  all 
important  matter  here  is  to  know  how  to  act  when  it 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  19 

is  proposed  in  any  case  to  inject  any  form  of  Opium, 
or  any  similar  poison.  The  first  thing-  {p  be  under- 
stood clearly:  in  all  such  cases ._  is  this — the  medical 

attendant  knows  no  real  remedy  for  the  pain,  or  its 
cause,  when  he  proposes  to  relieve  in  this  way.  Mark 
this  well.  It  is  of  immense  importance  to  understand 
the  ignorance  of  your  adviser  in  relation  to  cure  in 
your  case.  A_pati>nf  should  remember  that  it  by  no 
means  ._followsr  hfTr"ig^  hifi  physician  knows  no 
remedy,  tha*  tfrffg-ic  t^nf  We  have  seen  cases  in 
which  such  a  remedy  as  this  was  proposed,  in  which 
all  pain  disappeared  within  half  an  hour,  and  did  not 
return,  by  nothing  further  being  done  than  a  cold 
cloth  being  gently  pressed  over  the  root  of  the  nerve, 
which  was  giving  terrible  pain.  The  medical  man  did 
not  know  that  a  gentle  cooling  of  a  particular  spot 
would  cure  his  patient;  he  only  knew  that  a  little 
Morphia  injected  would  deaden  the  sensibility  and 
give .  temporary  relief.  We  could  not  imagine  his 
doing  as  he  proposed  to  do,  if  he  had  known  how 
actually  to  cure  his  patients  at  first.  In  other  cases 
he  would  visit  day  by  day  until  his  bill  rose  to  a  very 
heavy  sum  indeed,  while,  if  he  had  only  known,  one 
visit  or  two  at  the  utmost  would  have  been  amply 
sufficient.  His  ignorance  was  lucrative,  perhaps  ypu 
might  be  disposed  to  say ;  but  it  is  the  least  that  can 
be  said  that  such  ignorance  is  confessed  the  instant 
a  medical  man  proposes  to  inject  Morphia.  He  con- 
fesses that  he  knows  nothing  that  can  put  the  wrong 
afflicting  you  right,  and  that  he  can  only  silence  the 


20  THE  THOMSONIAN 

poor  nerves  that  are  complaining.  If  he  is  alive  to 
this  truth,  and  sees  that  you  are  alive  to  it  also,  it  may 
stimulate  his  intelligence,  and  possibly  lead  him  to 
seek  about  a  little  for  a  real  remedy. 

For  example,  you  may  be  in  torture  by  a  pain  in 
some  part  of  your  body.  Your  medical  adviser  knows 
the  nerve  that  gives  this  pain.  He  proposes  the  in- 
jection of  Morphia.  He  is  ignorant  of  anything 
better  than  this  miserable  subterfuge  in  the  way  of 
cure.  Suppose  that  you  try  a  very  hot  application, 
say  a  hot  Bran  Poultice,  to  the  roots  of  the  nerves 
affected,  if  you  can  guess  about  where  those  roots  are. 
The  doctors  should  help  you  to  know  this  much. 
The  hot  poultice  is  put  on,  we  shall  say  it  fails  to 
relieve.  Well,  you  put  on  a  cold  application  at  the 
same  place.  That  relieves  slightly.  The  hot  one  may 
have  done  so,  or  this  may  have  done  so.  That  will 
turn  upon  the  nature  of  the  wrong  which  is  causing 
the  pain.  Observe  this,  that  whichever  of  the  ap- 
plications relieves  should  be  followed  up  vigorously. 
Do  not  say,  "Oh,  it  gives  relief  for  a  little,  and  then 
the  pain  returns."  Follow  up  the  little  relief,  and 
change  from  heat  to  cold,  as  the  pain  or  relief  indi- 
cates. You  can  do  no  possible  harm  by  such  process, 
and  in  multitudes  of  cases  all  will  soon  be  right,  and 
no  opiate  required  at  all.  But  you  must  not  think  all 
remedies  at  an  end  when  you  have  tried  one  or  two 
singly,  and  relief  does  not  yet  come.  The  large,  hot 
poultices  may  be  put  on  the  roots  of  the  affected 
nerves,  and  ice  cold  cloths  placed  on  the  branches  at 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  21 

the  same  time.  Then  ice  cold  may  be  placed  on  the 
roots  and  hot  on  the  branches.  The  doctor,  perhaps, 
has  not  thought  of  such  things.  He  has  only  con- 
fessed his  ignorance  of  all  remedies;  but  that  is  no 
reason  why  you  should  not  think  of  them.  It  seems 
tojMM-ather  a  strong  reason  whvjou  should  thinkof 
something.  :vyJi£n,Qne  who  surely  ought  to  jmow  cpn- 
fesses  that  he  does  not.  But  remedies  are  not  ex- 
hausted, by  any  means,  when  you  have  thought  of 
two  or  three  applications  of  heat  and  cold.  The 
whole  nerve  system  can  be  inflyencedJig-the  jpibbinyL 
of  the  head_and_s|)inal  regjoiL^so  as  to  wake  up  a. 
strong  increase  of  vital  action  in  the  nerve  centres 
there.  We  have  seen  a  patient  who  had  been  for 
months  under  medical  treatment,  and.  in  agony,  ex- 
cept  when  deadenedL  with  narcotics,  render^  yjdfi* 
jpendflB  pT  all  such  things J?y  a  Hulejkillful  rubbing 
alone.  Perhaps  you  object  that  th"ese~' remedSesaHT 
'  very  simple."  Well,  that  would  be  no  great  harm ; 
but  if  they  are  so  simple  you  are  surely  a  simpleton  if 
you  let  your  patients  be  killed  with  Morphia  while 
such  simple  remedies  are  at  hand.  The  whole  Thomp- 
sonian  or  Physio-Medical  system  is  simple  and  in  this 
you  will  find  its  wonderful  virtues. 


2a 


22  THE  THOMSONIAN 


The   Philosophy 

AND 

Principles   of   the   Thompsonian   System 

1.  MATTER,    in    all    its    diversity    of    character, 
quality,  form  and  combination,  may  be  classed  in  two 
great  divisions,  namely:     ORGANIC  and   INOR- 
GANIC MATTER. 

2.  ORGANIC   MATTER  includes   the  two  vast 
kingdoms  of  Nature ;  the  ANIMAL  and  the  VEGET- 
ABLE KINGDOMS. 

3.  INORGANIC  MATTER  includes  all  bodies  not 
possessed  of  CONSCIOUS  LIFE,  or  such  as  are  not 
endowed  with  a  CAPACITY  FOR  LIFE,  that  is, 
CONSCIOUS  LIFE. 

4.  INORGANIC,  BRUTE  or  DEAD  MATTER, 
is  controlled  or  governed  by  laws  or  forces,  embrac- 
ing CHEMISTRY  and  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY. 

5.  ORGANIZED  or  LIVING  BODIES,  though 
influenced  to  a  certain  extent  by  the  laws  which 
govern  inorganic  matter,  are  sustained  in  their  living 
state  by  VITAL  LAWS,  "which  hold  supremacy  over 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  23 

and  control  those  of  physics  and  chemistry,  which 
they  modify  and  render  subservient  on  many  oc- 
casions to  the  purpose  of  vitality." 

6.  The  principle  of  life  is  the  same  in  all  animated 
beings;  and  the  human  animal  economy  is  governed 
by  the   same   general   laws   as  that   of  the   animal 
economy. 

7.  LIFE,  or  the  LIVING  STATE,  is  a  series  of 
actions    or    motions    in    animal    matter,    of    which 
organized  bodies  are  alone  susceptible. 

8.  Without   ORGANIZATION   there   cannot   be 
Life.    And  again,  organized  bodies,  though  possessed 
of    a    "CAPACITY    for    life,"    require    the    aid    of 
STIMULANTS  to  call  it  into  activity. 

9.  "Animal  life  can  be  supported  only  by  external 
stimulants." 

10.  LIFE  is  produced  by  the  influence  of  HEAT 
or  CALORIC  upon  ORGANIZED  bodies. 

11.  HEAT,  OR  CALORIC,   IS  THE  POWER 
OR    AGENT    BY    WHICH    OTHER    STIMU- 
LANTS,    AS     ATMOSPHERIC    AIR,     LIGHT, 
ELECTRICITY,  GALVANISM,  FOOD,  DRINK, 
AND  MEDICINE  ARE  MADE  TO  ACT  UPON 
THE  SYSTEM. 

12.  CALORIC   BRINGS   INTO    PLAY   THAT 
POWER   (ASSUMED   TO   BE  AN   ELECTRO- 
GALVANIC    INFLUENCE)    WHICH    IS    THE 
IMMEDIATE    AGENT    OF    THOSE    VARIED 
AND      COMPLICATED      ACTIONS      WHICH 
FORMS  AND  FASHIONS  THE  ORGANS;  CON- 


24  THE  THOMSONIAN 

VEYS  TO  AND  APPROPRIATES  NOURISH- 
MENT TO  EVERY  ORGAN  AND  TISSUE; 
"SUSTAINS  ANIMAL  MATTER  IN  A  STATE 
OF  COMPOSITION ;"  SELECTS  AND  EXPELS 
EFFETE  OR  WORN  OUT  MATTER  BY  THE 
PORES  OF  THE  SKIN,  THE  KIDNEYS,  AND 
OTHER  DEPURATORY  ORGANS;  CARRIES 
ON  ALL  THE  VARIOUS  SECRETIONS;  EN- 
DOWS THE  ORGANS  WITH  SENSATION; 
AND  ENABLES  THEM  TO  REACT  AGAINST, 
OR  RESIST  THE  INFLUENCES  THAT  TEND 
TO  THEIR  DESTRUCTION." 

The  two  preceding  propositions  form  the  corner- 
stone or  basis  of  the  true  science  of  medicine. 

13.  In  the  early  period  of  animal  life,  until  the 
organs  become  developed,  heat  is  derived  from  the 
mother.    As  the  organs  become  developed  they  are 
endowed  with  the  power  of  producing  or  generating 
heat,  and  after  birth  the  supply  of  animal  heat  is  de- 
pendent upon  this  function  of  calorification,  or  heat 
generating   power.     Thus   VITAL  ACTION,   first 
produced  by  heat,  creates  the  power,  or  generates 
the   influence   necessary   to   the   continuance   of  its 
action.    Heat  is  evolved  in  every  part  of  the  system, 
and  the  amount  of  caloric  generated  will  be  in  pro- 
portion as  vital  action  is  greater. 

14.  As  the  heat  of  the  system  is  lessened,  in  pro- 
portion will  vital  action  diminish.    "If  the  system  be 
deprived  of  caloric  for  a  certain  length  of  time,  all 
the    preservative,    recuperative,    and    sanative    phe- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  25 

nomena  cease  (this  is  especially  the  condition  in  Con- 
sumption).   It  is  the  same  also  as  respects  Oxygen." 

15.  The  stomach  is  the  seat  or  "throne  of  the  vital 
powers;"  the  main  centre  or  source  from  which  is 
radiated  the  nervous  power,  which,  by  the  aid  of  heat 
and  oxygen,  carries  on  and  governs  the  important 
vital  functions  of  circulation,  respiration,  digestion, 
nutrition,  assimilation,  and  the  various  secretions. 

16.  The  stomach  is  in  almost  every  instance  the 
seat  of  disease.     When  this  organ  is  disordered  the 
power  of  generating  heat  and  nervous  influence  is 
diminished,  and  consequently  the  actions  and  func- 
tions of  other  organs  become  weakened  or  deranged. 
In  fever,  although  the  heat  of  the  surface  is  increased 
above  the  natural  standard,  yet  the  amount  generated 
may  be  less  than  is  produced  in  a  state  of  health.    The 
secretions    and    transpirations     from    the    skin    and 
mucous  surface  being  suspended,  the  heat  is  locked 
up  in  the  system,  and  this,  it  would  seem,  is  a  wise 
provision  for  retaining  the  heat,  in  order  to  sustain 
the  recuperative  actions,  and  thus  effect  a  crisis  in 
disease.     Experiments  have  shown  that  in  the  most 
inflammatory  diseases,  the  blood  contains  less  posi- 
tive electricity  than  it  does  when  taken  from  one  in 
health.    As  the  functions  of  the  stomach  and  bowels 
are  restored  to  a  healthy  condition  a  natural  warmth 
and    action    becomes    established    throughout    the 
system. 

17.  The  same  means  that  will  restore  the  natural 
temperature  of  the  system,  as  pure  stimulants  (as 


26  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Capsicum)  and  the  Vapor  Bath,  will  also  increase  the 
Electro-Galvanic  or  nervous  power,  which  governs 
the  circulation  and  all  the  vital  functions. 

18.  As  the  natural  warmth  of  the  system  is  re- 
duced, either  from  a  disordered  stomach  or  from  any 
other  cause,  the  nervous  power  which  maintains  an 
equilibrium  in  the  circulation  is  enfeebled;  hence  in 
disease  a  loss  of  the  natural  balance  or  equilibrium  in 
the  circulation  of  the  blood  is  a  common  occurence. 

19.  An  undue  accumulation  of  blood  in  a  part  is 
attended  by  a  deficiency  of  it  in  other  parts.    Thus  in 
Fever  there  is  an  unnatural  quantity  of  blood  in  the 
surface   and    a    corresponding   deficiency   inwardly; 
determinations  of  blood  to  the  head  are  accompanied 
with  a  loss  of  blood  in  the  feet. 

20.  The  same  means  that  will  correct  a  disordered 
stomach  and  "raise  the  heat"  of  the  system  to  its 
natural   standard,  will  tend  to  restore  the   natural 
balance  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood. 

21.  As  the  natural  heat  and  nervous  power  is  re- 
duced, either  from  cold,  disordered  stomach,  or  from 
any  other  cause,  the  functions  of  digestion,  nutrition, 
and    assimilation   become    enfeebled   or   disordered. 
The  same  cause  also  deranges  the  secreting  organs, 
as  the  liver  and  glands  of  the  mucous  membranes.    In 
many  instances  in  disease  the  liver  ceases  to  secrete 
bile;   and  the   excessive  thirst  accompanying  fever 
arises  from  diminished  or  suspended  secretions  of  the 
glands  of  the  mucous  membranes. 

22.  Whatever  will  cleanse  the  stomach,  restore  the 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  27 

natural  heat  and  produce  perspiration,  will  also  tend 
to  restore  digestion,  assimilation,  the  secretions,  and 
in  fine,  remove  every  derangement  which  occurs  in 
the  system. 

23.  The  lower  order  of  animals,  as  the  hybenating 
species,  will  bear  the  abstraction  of  heat  from  their 
bodies  without  producing  disorganization;  they  sink 
into  a  state  of  torpor  and  insensibility  during  winter, 
and  on  the  return  of  warm  weather  are  reawakened 
into  life  and  activity. 

24.  In  the  higher  order  of  animals  and  in  man,  the 
abstraction  of  heat  cannot  be  borne  below  a  certain 
degree,  but  for  a  limited  period,  without  producing 
disorganization  and  death.    Hence,  they  are  endowed 
with   a   power  to   REACT  against  cold  and  other 
deleterious    agents ;    and    by    thus    establishing    a 
counteracting  force  or  influence,  life  and  organiza- 
tion is  preserved  against  causes  tending  to  their  de- 
struction.    Many  of  the  symptoms  which  occur  in 
disease,  as  pain  and  fever,  are  caused  by  the  recupera- 
tive, life-sustaining  actions,  the  organs  being  driven, 
as  it  were,  to  a  new  mode  of  action,  with  the  design 
of  counteracting  the  influence  of  offending  causes, 
and  regaining  their  lost  vitality. 

25.  FEVER  does  not  constitute  a  disease,  but  is 
always  an  evidence  of  the  existence  of  an  offending 
cause  in  the  system,  and  which  nature  is  struggling 
to  remove. 

26.  Living  beings  are  ever  surrounded  by  agents 
or  powers  which  exert   an  influence   in  direct  an- 


28  THB  THOMSONIAN 

tagonism  to  the  laws  of  life  tending  to  subvert  or 
destroy  vital  action.  Thus  the  living  state  is  held,  as 
it  were,  in  a  balance  between  opposing  powers. 

27.  The  direct  effect  of  cold  and  other  morbific 
agents  upon  the  system,  is  to  weaken  vital  action,  and 
to  lessen  the  power  of  generating  heat :  hence,  disease 
of  every  form  and  variety  commences  with  symptoms 
which  show  that  the  vital  powers  are  weakened ;  these 
are  Lassitude,  General  Debility,  Coldness  of  the  Sur- 
face and  Extremities,  and  Chilliness.    Cold  and  Damp 
Feet  exert  an  influence  in  weakening  and  deranging 
the  natural  and  healthy  order  of  action  in  the  system, 
and  thus  prove  a  fruitful  source  of  disease.    Damp- 
ness probably  operates  as  a  conducting  medium  by 
which  the  caloric,  but  more  especially  the  electro- 
galvanic  fluid  escapes,  not  only  from  the  lower  ex- 
tremities but  also  from  the  stomach  and  all  the  viscera 
of  the  abdomen,  by  means  of  the  nerves,  which  form 
a  connecting  chain  of  conductors  or  channels  through- 
out the  system,  for  the  passage  or  circulation  of  this 
nervous  fluid.    As  the  nervous  influence  escapes  from 
the  system,  the  functions,  over  which  it  has  control, 
become  enfeebled  and  deranged. 

28.  The  first  symptoms  in  disease  prove  a  weakened 
condition  of  vital  action.    As  the  constitution  reacts, 
a  new  train  of  symptoms  ensues.    The  pulse  becomes 
quicker  and  stronger;  the  surface  becomes  hot  and 
dry,  and  the  system  is  in  a  state  of  feverish  excite- 
ment, or  in  other  words,  the  patient  has  a  fever.    The 
constitution  struggles  against  disease  and  occasions 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  29 

the  fever,  and  it  is  by  this  power  of  reaction  that 
disease  is  overcome. 

Intermittent  fever,  as  it  is  termed,  commences  with 
a  chill.  As  the  system  reacts,  fever  comes  on;  and 
the  recuperative  efforts  which  occasion  the  fever,  re- 
store the  heat,  bring  on  perspiration  and  frequently 
other  critical  evacuations  more  especially  from  the 
kidneys,  by  which  the  disease  is  partly  or  wholly  re- 
moved, until  the  return  of  the  succeeding  chill,  when 
the  constitution  institutes  the  same  preservative, 
recuperative  train  of  action.  In  Eruptive  Diseases, 
as  Small-pox,  Measles,  and  Scarlet  Fever,  there  are 
always  in  the  commencement  General  Debility,  Chilli- 
ness, and  a  Disordered  Stomach.  These  are  the  direct 
effects  of  the  morbific  agent  that  produces  the  disease, 
and  but  for  a  counteracting  influence,  vital  actions 
would  be  overcome.  The  constitution  establishes  a 
reaction  or  fever,  by  which  the  disease  is  thrown  to 
the  surface,  producing  an  eruption  on  the  skin. 

29.  The  design  of  reaction  or  fever  is  to  restore  the 
lost  heat  and  vitality,  and  remove  all  morbific  or 
deleterious  agents  and  their  effects  from  the  system, 
and  thus  preserve  it  from  disease. 

30.  A  course  of  treatment  that  will  cleanse  the 
stomach  and  bowels  and  restore  their  natural  action, 
and  remove  obstructions  from  the  system,  will  also 
remove  fevers,  by  assisting  to  bring  about  what  the 
fever  is  endeavoring  to  accomplish.  When  the  offend- 
ing cause  is  removed  there  will  be  nothing  to  excite 
fever  or  reaction. 


30  THE  THOMSONIAN 

There  is  another  and  very  opposite  plan  for  sub- 
duing fever,  to  wit:  By  reducing  the  vital  force  or 
the  recuperative  efforts  of  nature,  by  purging,  with 
the  use  of  poisonous  agents,  such  as  are  now  used, 
i.  e.,  Aconite,  Belladonna,  Strychnine,  etc.  This, 
though  the  fashionable  practice,  is  nevertheless  un- 
natural, unsuccessful,  and  hazardous  to  the  future 
health,  if  not  to  the  life  of  the  patients  on  whom  it  is 
practiced. 

There  is  hardly  a  single  man  or  woman,  who  has 
only  had  the  grippe,  that  is  not  suffering  from  some 
weakness.  This  is  absolutely  nothing  less  than  the 
after  affects  of  the  fashionable  treatment  followed  at 
the  present  time.  I  have  been  in  practice  for  more 
than  two  years  at  one  place,  have  treated  all  kinds  of 
cases  during  that  time,  have  not  lost  a  SINGLE 
patient  during  all  that  time.  I  simply  follow  the 
natural,  common-sense  treatment,  help  the  system  to 
throw  off  all  morbid  matter,  and  when  the  disease 
leaves  the  system  there  is  then  no  other  disease  lurk- 
ing there  from  the  medicine  that  has  been  given.  My 
reader  may  ask:  "Does  the  medical  profession  look 
with  favor  on  your  practice?"  Certainly  not.  The 
thanks  that  I  have  received  so  far  can  be  summed  up 
in  one  word — "persecutions." 

31.  An  important  indication  in  the  treatment  of  all 
acute  diseases,  attended  with  high  arterial  excitement 
or  violent  fever,  is  to  overcome  the  contracted  or 
spasmodic  condition  of  the  capillary  vessels  by  re- 
laxing the  system  with  "Lobelia." 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  31 

32.  To  effect  a  relaxation  of  the  system  there  is 
probably  no  agent  of  equal  value  with  the  "Lobelia 
Inflata."    This  medicine  exerts  a  surprising  influence 
in  equalizing  the  nervous  power,  and  in  relaxing  the 
system,  without  weakening  the  vital  properties.     In 
many  instances,  however,  fever  may  be  removed  by 
the  same  means  alone  that  will  overcome  a  chill,  i.  e., 
Pure  Stimulants  and  Vapor  Baths.    Medical  men  of 
the  old  school  have  not  made  a  proper  distinction 
between  pure  stimulants  that  strengthen  and  promote 
a  healthy  action,  and  those  agents  which  occasion 
morbid  excitement  at  the  expense  of  the  vital  powers. 
Brandy    and    all    alcoholic    preparations    aggravate 
fever,  and  hence  it  is  inferred  that  all  stimulants  are 
improper  in  such  cases.     A  patient,  in  a  fever  that 
would  be  injured  by  Brandy,  would  in  the  same  con- 
dition be  benefitted  by  drinking  freely  of  Capsicum 
Tea   or   taking   one   grain    Capsicum   tablets   every 
thirty  minutes.     It  is  as  contrary  to  the  theories  of 
the  regular  practice  to  use  Capsicum  in  Scarlet  Fever 
as  in  any  other  form  of  fever,  it  being  a  disease  of  a 
highly  inflammatory  character,  and  yet  a  majority 
probably  of  the  profession  make  use  of  this  article  in 
Scarlatina,   and   many   of   them   depend   exclusively 
upon  it. 

33.  As  a  consequence  of  a  reduction  and  derange- 
ment of  vital  action,  there  are  in  disease  thickened, 
morbid  secretions,  by  Dr.  Thomson  termed  "Canker," 
formed  on  the  lining  membrane  of  the  stomach  and 
bowels,  and  which  in  acute  disease,  as  in  Dysentery, 


32  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Pleurisy,  the  various  forms  of  Eruptive  disease  and 
all  other  Febrile  affections,  tend  more  or  less  to 
putrefaction,  and  thus  prove  deleterious  to  the  con- 
stitution. The  stomach  becoming  coated  with 
thickened  tenacious  secretion  or  "canker,"  is  prob- 
ably a  general  cause  of  a  disease  being  protracted. 
It  is  an  observation  of  Samuel  Thomson,  that  "where 
there  is  a  settled  fever  there  is  canker  seated  in  the 
stomach."  The  tongue  is  more  or  less  coated  with 
"Canker"  or  morbid  secretions  in  disease,  and  its 
appearance  affords  a  criterion  by  which  to  judge  of 
the  condition  of  the  stomach.  A  tendency  in  this 
Canker  to  soften  and  clean  off  from  the  edges  of  the 
tongue,  is  usually  one  of  the  first  signs  indicating  a 
favorable  crisis  in  a  disease. 

34.  To  remove  the  Canker  is  of  the  first  im- 
portance in  the  cure  of  disease.  This  requires  in  the 
first  place  the  use  of  such  means  as  will  excite  the 
secretions,  and  restore  the  inward  or  natural  heat, 
by  which,  as  Dr.  Thomson  expresses  it,  "The  Canker 
is  brought  to  a  point,"  and  as  these  morbid  secre- 
tions soften  they  may  be  removed  by  the  use  of  what 
is  known  as  No.  3,  or  medicine  for  Canker.  The 
Tannin  and  Gallic  Acid  contained  in  these  vegetable 
preparations,  have  a  strong  affinity  for  the  Canker, 
and  by  combining  with  it  overcome  its  tendency  to 
putrefaction,  and  they  also  detach  it  from  the  mucous 
membranes,  and  thus  remove  obstructions  to  the 
secretions,  and  enable  nourishment  to  be  taken  up  by 
the  Chyliferous  Vessels. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  33 

35.  In  violent  local  determination  of  blood  to  a 
part   or  organ,   as   in   Croup,   Inflammation   of  the 
Brain,  Violent  Pleurisy,  Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys, 
Apoplexy,  etc.,  one  of  the  most  important  indications 
in  the  treatment  is  to  overcome  this  undue  determina- 
tion to  the  diseased  part  by  relaxing  the  system  with 
"Lobelia,"  either  by  the  stomach  or  administered  by 
injection.     The  same  course  of  treatment  is  appli- 
cable in  Profuse  Hemorrhage,  as  in  Bleeding  from 
the  Lungs,  Nose,  or  Uterine  Organs. 

36.  Finally,  Dr.  Thomson's  system  fulfills  all  the 
important    indications    for    the    cure    of    disease    in 
general;  and,  if  judiciously  applied,  will  effect  a  cure 
in  all  cases  that  are  curable  by  means  of  medicine. 


34  THE  THOMSONIAN 


RULES  TO  BE  FOLLOWED 

IN  THE 

Treatment  of  Diseaae 


1.  Be    careful    to    always    keep    the    determining 
powers  to  the  surface,  by  keeping  the  inward  heat 
above  the  outward,  or  the  fountain  above  the  stream, 
and  all  will  be  safe. 

2.  It  must  be  recollected  that  heat  is  life,  and  cold 
death ;  or,  in  other  words,  cold  is  disease ;  that  fever 
is  a  friend  and  cold  the  enemy ;  it  is  therefore  neces- 
sary to  aid  the  friend  and  oppose  the  enemy  in  order 
to  restore  health. 

3.  That  the  construction  and  organization  of  the 
human  frame  is  in  all  men  essentially  the  same,  being 
formed  of  the  four  elements.     Earth  and  water  con- 
stitute the  solids  of  the  body,  which  is  made  active  by 
fire  and  air.     Heat,  in  a  peculiar  manner,  gives  life 
and  motion  to  the  whole,  and  when  entirely  over- 
powered from  whatever  cause  by  the  other  elements, 
death  ensues.     Heat  is  possibly,  actually  speaking, 
not  life  itself,  but  the  first  manifestation  of  life.    Cold 
of  death. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  35 

4.  A   perfect   state   of   health   arises   from  a   due 
balance  of  temperature  of  the  elements,  and  when  it 
is  by  any  means  destroyed,  the  body  is  more  or  less 
disordered.    When  this  is  the  case,  there  is  always  a 
diminution  of  heat,  or  an  increase  of  the  power  of 
cold,  which  is  its  opposite. 

5.  All  disorders  are  caused  by  obstructed  perspira- 
tion, which  may  be  produced  by  a  great  variety  of 
means ;  that  medicine,  therefore,  must  be  adminis- 
tered that  is  best  calculated  to  remove  obstructions 
and  promote  perspiration. 

6.  The  food  taken  into  the  stomach,  and  being  well 
digested,  nourishes  the  system  and  keeps  up  that  heat 
on  which  life  depends ;  but  by  constantly  taking  food 
into  the  stomach,  which  is  sometimes  not  suitable  for 
nourishment,  it  becomes  foul,  so  that  the  food  is  not 
well  digested;  this  causes  the  body  to  lose  its  heat, 
and  disease  follows. 

7.  Canker  is  caused  by  cold,  and  there  is  always 
more  or  less  of  it  in  all  cases  of  disease ;  continue  to 
make  use  of  such  remedies  as  are  calculated  to  re- 
move it  as  long  as  there  is  any  appearance  of  the 
disorder. 

8.  When  the  disease  is  removed,  make  free  use  of 
those  remedies  that  are  good  to  restore  the  digestive 
powers,  such  as  bitters,  not  forgetting  to  keep  up  the 
inward  heat  by  giving  occasionally  some  good  and 
natural   stimulant   such   as    Capsicum  in   one   grain 
doses. 

9.  Keep  always  in  mind  that  "an  ounce  of  preven- 


36  THE  THOMSONIAN 

tion  is  better  than  a  pound  of  cure ;"  and  give  medicine 
on  the  first  appearance  of  disorder,  before  it  becomes 
seated,  for  it  may  be  then  easily  thrown  off,  and  much 
and  dangerous  sickness  prevented. 

10.  In  cases  of  fever  increase  the  internal  heat  by 
giving  hot  medicines,  such  as   Capsicum,  so  as  to 
overpower  the  cold,  when  the  natural  heat  will  return 
inwardly,  and  the  cold  will  pervade  the  whole  surface 
of  the  body,  as  the  heat  had  done  before ;  this  is  what 
is  called  the  turn  of  the  fever. 

11.  If    No.    i — Lobelia — should    sicken    and    not 
puke,  there  may  be  two  causes  for  it,  i.  e.,  the  coldness 
or  acidity  of  the  stomach ;  for  the  first,  give  Capsicum 
more  freely,  and  for  the  latter  dissolve  a  piece  of 
Pearlash  in  a  wine  glass  of  water,  and  let  the  patient 
take  it,  which  will  counteract  the  acidity.     If  this 
fails,  make  use  of  the  steam  bath,  which  will  open  the 
pores,  extract  the  cold,  and  set  the  medicine  in  oper- 
ation. 

By  experience,  I  have  found  that  it  is  always  best 
to  give  a  few  grains  of  No.  2,  which  is  Capsicum,  with 
the  No.  i,  or  Lobelia,  as  it  acts  much  better  and  it 
keeps  up  the  strength  of  the  patient  while  the  Lobelia 
is  relaxing  the  system  and  doing  its  work. 

12.  In  giving  medicine  to  children,  give  about  one- 
half,  a  little  more  or  less  according  to  their  age,  of  the 
quantity  directed  for  a  grown  person.    Be  particular 
to  offer  them  drink  often,  especially  young  children 
who  cannot  ask  for  it. 

Not  so  long  ago,  I  had  a  patient,  a  baby  weighing 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  37 

but  six  pounds,  who  had  Pneumonia  in  its  worst 
form.  I  gave  it  one  grain  of  Capsicum  every  hour 
and  a  grain  of  Pleurisy  root  between  the  doses  of 
Capsicum.  The  patient  recovered  from  the  Pneu- 
monia although  regulars  had  said  that  it  could  not 
live. 

13.  Dysentery  is  caused  by  Canker  on  the  bowels, 
for  which  make  free  use  of  the  tea  of  No.  3,  with  No. 
2,  and  give  the  same  by  injection  in  the  first  of  the 
disease,  and  afterwards   give  the   syrup,   No.   5,  to 
strengthen  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  restore  the 
digestive  powers. 

14.  The  piles  is  Canker  below  the  reach  of  medicine 
given  in  the  usual  way,  and  must  be  cured  by  using  a 
wash  of  No.  3,  made  strong,  and  by  giving  injections 
of  the  same  with  No.  2.    What  is  called  bearing  down 
pains  in  women  is  from  the  same  cause  and  must  be 
relieved  by  injections   made   of  witch-hazel   or  red 
raspberry  leaf  tea,  steeped  strong,  with  No.  2  strained. 
If  this  does  not  give  relief,  go  through  a  regular 
course  of  medicine. 

SPECIAL  NOTE. — I,  at  the  present  time,  do  no 
longer  use  the  teas  or  infusions,  but  depend  entirely 
on  Tinctures  and  fluid  extracts  of  the  different 
Physio-Medical  or  Thomsonian  remedies.  These  can 
be  had  from  nearly  all  our  wholesale  dealers.  I  use 
these  tinctures,  in  many  cases,  in  the  coated  tablet 
form.  When  I  use  the  Tinctures  or  Fluid  Extracts, 
I  always  give  them  in  hot  water  and  the  action  is 
uniform,  handy,  up-to-date,  and  they  act  exactly  as 


3a 


38  THE  THOMSONIAN 

would  the  infusion  or  tea.  In  the  Materia  Medica,  I 
will  give  the  dose  of  each  remedy  used  so  that  the 
modern  Thomsonian  physician  can  be  as  up-to-date 
as  those  known  as  the  "regulars"  and  still  follow  the 
only  scientific  system  of  medication.  These  Tinc- 
tures or  Fluid  Extracts  can  be  mixed  to  form  Nos.  I, 
2>  3>  4»  5»  6,  7,  8,  etc.,  and  can  always  be  carried  in  the 
medicine  case  ready  for  immediate  use. 

15.  Women  in  a  state  of  pregnancy  ought  to  be 
carried  through  a  regular  course  of  the  medicine, 
especially  when  near  the  time  of  delivery.    When  in 
travail  give  raspberry  leaf  tea,  with  a  teaspoonful  of 
the  composition  powders,  or  No.  2,  and  keep  them  in 
a  perspiration.     After  delivery  keep  up  the  internal 
heat  by  giving  the  composition  powder,  or  No.  2. 
This  will  prevent  cold  and  after  pains ;  if  there  should 
be  symptoms  of  fever,  carry  them  through  a  regular 
course  of  the  medicine,  which  will  guard  against  all 
alarming  complaints  peculiar  in  such  cases. 

16.  In  all  cases  of  a  burn,  scald,  or  being  frozen, 
wrap  up  the  parts  in  cloths  wet  with  cold  water,  often 
wetting  them  with  the  same  to  prevent  their  becom- 
ing dry,  and  be  careful  to  give  hot  medicine,  such  as 
Capsicum,  or  the  composition  powders,  to  keep  up 
the  inward  heat.    Pursue  this  plan  for  twelve  hours, 
and  then,  if  the  skin  is  off,  apply  the  poultice  or  salve. 
If  there  should  be  convulsions  or  fever,  a  regular 
course  of  the  medicine  must,  without  fail,  be  given. 

17.  When  a  scald  is  over  the  whole  or  greater  part 
of  the  body,  apply  cotton  cloth  of  several  thicknesses  to 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  39 

the  whole  body,  wet  with  the  tea  of  raspberry  leaves, 
thoroughly  wetting  it  with  the  same  to  prevent  it 
from  becoming  dry,  and  giving  the  Capsicum  in  one 
grain  doses  every  half-hour.  When  the  scald  is  under 
the  stocking,  or  any  other  tight  garment,  let  it  remain 
on,  adding  more  cotton  cloths,  and  wet  the  whole 
with  cold  water  as  often  as  the  smart  of  the  burn 
returns. 

18.  If  the  skin  is  off,  or  in  case  of  an  old  burn,  to 
guard  against  canker,  apply  a  poultice  of  cracker 
dust  and  slippery-elm  bark,  made  with  a  tea  of  rasp- 
berry leaves,  washing  it  with  soap  suds  when  the 
poultice  is   changed,   and  then  with  the  same  tea. 
When  any  part  is  frozen,  the  same  methods  must  be 
taken  as  for  a  burn. 

19.  For  a  fresh  wound,  cut,  or  bruise,  wash  im- 
mediately with  cold  water,  and  bind  up  in  cloths  wet 
with  the  same ;  keep  a  hot  water  bottle  or  hot  iron  at 
the  feet,  and  take  Capsicum  to  raise  a  gentle  per- 
spiration;   continue    this    till    the  inflammation    is 
allayed,  and  the  wound  perfectly  cleansed,  then  ap- 
ply the  poultice  or  salve,  till  healed.    The  air  must  be 
kept  from  all  wounds  or  sores,  as  it  will  cause  pain, 
and  prevent  them  from  healing. 

20.  In  sudden  and  deadly  attacks,  such  as  spotted 
or  yellow  fevers,  fits,  drowned  persons,  croup,  etc., 
the  heat  and  activity  of  the  patient  are  so  much  di- 
minished that  the  common  administration  will  not 
give  relief;  the   determining  power  to   the   surface 
being  so  small,  through  the  loss  of  internal  heat,  that 


40  THE  THOMSONIAN 

it  will  not  give  the  medicine  operation,  as  its  effects 
are  resisted  and  counterbalanced  by  the  pressure  of 
the  external  air.  To  counteract  this  pressure,  keep 
the  room,  by  aid  of  a  good  fire,  about  as  warm  as  a 
summer  heat;  and  more  fully  to  rarify  and  lighten 
the  air,  and  aid  the  operation  of  the  medicine,  make 
a  free  use  of  the  steam  bath,  and  keep  the  patient 
shielded  by  a  blanket;  at  the  same  time  give  oc- 
casionally Lobelia  and  Capsicum,  being  Nos.  i  and  2. 
This  course  should  be  unremittingly  persevered  in  till 
the  patient  is  relieved. 

21.  If   the   glands   are    dry,   so   that   there   is   no 
moisture  in  the  mouth,  or  if  the  patient   is  much 
pressed  for  breath,  give  a  strong  tea  of  No.  2,  or  two 
grains  of  the   Capsicum  and  repeat  every  one-half 
hour  until  the  mouth  becomes  moist.     No.  3  should 
not  be  used  while  the  mouth  is  dry;  if  any  is  used, 
add  a  large  portion  of  No.  2. 

22.  Be  careful  not  to  have  the  outward  heat  too 
high,  by  too  many  clothes  or  fire,  for  if  this  is  the 
case,  it  will  cause  a  balance  of  the  outward  and  in- 
ward heat,  and  will  prevent  the  medicine  from  oper- 
ating by  stopping  the  circulation,  and  the  patient  will 
be  very  much  distressed.    When  this  happens,  throw 
cold  vinegar  on  the  face  and  stomach,  and  give  more 
Capsicum,  which  will  let  down  the  outward  heat  and 
raise  the  inward. 

23.  If  the  patient  is  restless,  wet  the  head  and  body 
with  cold  vinegar,  and  if  there  are  convulsions  or 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  41 

spasms,  give  the  nerve  medicine  with  the  Capsicum. 
Injections  must  be  also  used. 

24.  Never  make  use  of  physic  in  cases  where  there 
is  Canker  internally,  for  it  will  draw  the  determining 
powers  inward  and  increase  the  disease.    I  have  seen 
so  many  bad  effects  from  giving  physics,  that  I  dis- 
approve the  use  of  them  and  within  the  last  two  years 
of  my  practice  I  have  not  used  them.     A  hot  water 
injection  is  all  that  is  necessary. 

25.  Avoid  all  minerals  used  as  medicine,  such  as 
mercury,  arsenic,  antimony,  calomel,  preparations  of 
copper  or  lead,  and  also  morphia  and  opium.     They 
are  all  poisons,  and  deadly  enemies  to  life. 

26.  Beware  of  bleeding  and  blistering,  as  they  can 
never  do  any  good,  and  may  be  productive  of  much 
harm,  they  are  contrary  to  nature,  and  strengthen 
the  power  of  the  enemy  to  health.    Remove  all  causes 
by  natural  means  and  the  effects  will  surely  leave  of 
themselves. 

27.  Do  not  make  use  of  Saltpetre  in  any  way  what- 
ever; it  is  the  greatest  cold  of  anything  that  can  be 
taken  into  the  stomach,  and  was  never  intended  for 
any  other  purpose  than  to  destroy  life.     It  is  a  very 
bad  practice  to  put  it  on  meat,  for  it  destroys  all  the 
juices,  which  are  the  nourishing  part,  and  leaves  the 
flesh  hard  and  difficult  to  digest. 

28.  Keep  your  patients  from  meats  of  all  kinds. 
Pork  is  a  combination  of  Cancer  and  Scrofula,  was  never 
intended  to  eat.     Meat  is  not  necessary  as  a  food. 
Put  your  patients  on  Sweet  Oil,  Olive  Oil,  Nuts  and 


42  THE  THOMSONIAN 

fresh  Butter  and  note  the  wonderful  results.    Make 
your  patient  live  natural. 

29.  Be  careful  to  instruct  them  about  drinking  cold 
water  in  very  hot  weather,  as  it  will  tend  to  let  down 
the  inward  heat  so  suddenly  as  to  give  full  power  to 
the  cold.    If  this  should  happen,  its  fatal  effects  may 
be  prevented  by  giving  the  hot  medicine,  Capsicum, 
to  raise  the  inward  heat  above  the  outward.    Be  care- 
ful also  not  to  cool  suddenly  after  being  very  warm 
in   consequence   of   uncommon   exercise.     A    doctor 
should  be  a  teacher.    Instruct  your  patients  in  the  right 
way  of  living. 

30.  Remember  that  regularity  in  diet  is  very  im- 
portant to  preserve  health,  and  that  if  more  food  is 
taken  into  the  stomach  than  is  well  digested,  it  clogs 
the  system  and  causes  disease.    Therefore  be  cautious 
not  to  eat  too  much  at  a  time,  and  have  your  food 
well  cooked.     This  is  very  important  to  those  who 
have  weakly  constitutions. 

31.  Ardent  Spirit  is  slow  poison;  it  is  taken  to  stimu- 
late, but  this  effect  is  soon  over,  and  much  use  of  it 
destroys  the  tone  of  the  stomach,  injures  the  digestive 
powers,  and  causes  disease.     It  is  therefore  much 
better,  when  the  feeling  requires  anything  of  the  kind, 
to  make  use  of  stimulating  medicine,  such  as  Nos.  2 
and  6,  for  these  will  answer  a  far  better  purpose. 

32.  In    that    very    common    trouble    known    as 
Anaemia,  it  has  been  the  habit  of  physicians  to  pre- 
scribe all  kinds  of  meats  or  animal  preparations.    Let 
these  things  severely  alone  in  your  practice.     Prescribe 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  43 

Nuts  of  all  kinds  instead  of  meats,  also  butter,  eggs, 
cream,  etc.,  and  instead  of  Cod  Liver  Oil,  which  the 
stomach  cannot  digest  or  assimilate,  and  other  animal 
preparations,  give  Olive  Oil,  the  French  is  best,  three 
times  a  day.  It  is  best  to  give  it  in  tablespoonful 
doses  before  meals.  With  the  odorless  and  tasteless 
preparations  of  this  valuable  medicine  now  to  be  had, 
anyone  can  take  it  and  the  most  delicate  stomach  can 
retain  it. 

33.  Keep  your  patients  from  using  black  pepper, 
vinegar,  etc.  Instead  of  using  black  pepper,  get  them 
to  use  a  slight  amount  of  Cayenne,  and  instead  of  vine- 
gar, get  them  to  use  lemon  juice.  Not  the  lemon  ex- 
tracts, but  the  pure  juice,  pressed  out  of  the  lemon  as  it 
is  needed.  Ferments  are  of  no  value  and  do  a  great 
deal  of  harm. 


44  THE  THOMSONIAN 


The  Use  of  Emetics 

IN  THE 

Treatment  of  Disease 

Thomsonian  emetics  constitute  the  most  effectual 
remedy  employed  in  the  treatment  of  disease.  There 
is  scarcely  a  form  or  variety  of  disease  in  which  the 
use  of  emetics  will  not  prove  beneficial,  and  in  many 
instances  they  are  indispensably  necessary  to  the  re- 
covery of  the  patient. 

Previous  to  the  discovery  of  the  medical  properties 
of  Lobelia  by  Samuel  Thomson,  poisonous  articles 
were  employed  almost  exclusively  as  emetics.  Even 
now  the  medical  profession  continues  to  prescribe  the 
same  deleterious  articles,  notwithstanding  the  evi- 
dence afforded  of  the  efficiency  of  Lobelia  emetics  in 
cleansing  the  stomach,  and  likewise  knowing  as  they 
do  that  it  possesses  no  deleterious  qualities. 

In  some  cases  of  slight  or  sudden  attacks  of 
disease,  all  that  is  required  by  the  operation  of  an 
emetic  is  merely  to  throw  off  the  foul  contents  of  the 
stomach,  which  had  oppressed  and  distended  its 
functions.  But  where  disease  has  become  seated, 
other  important  objects  are  obtained  by  the  operation 
of  Thomsonian  emetics.  They  relax  the  system,  and 
in  this  way  overcome  obstructions,  equalize  the  circu- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  45 

lation  of  the  blood  and  of  the  nervous  influence;  in- 
vigorate the  energies  of  the  stomach,  and  remove 
morbid  secretions  from  its  mucous  surface;  restore 
the  secretions,  and  in  fact,  assist  the  constitution  in 
resisting  disease,  and  thus  aid  her  efforts  in  restoring 
to  health. 

Whenever  there  is  a  general  fever  pervading  the 
body,  it  is  evidence  of  a  diseased  condition  of  the 
stomach;  and  hence  in  fever,  the  use  of  emetics  are 
particularly  indicated.  Whether  a  fever  arises  from 
the  cause  of  undigested  food  in  the  stomach,  worms 
in  the  intestines,  its  energies  sunken  or  its  functions 
prostrated  by  the  poisonous  influence  of  Marsh 
Effluvia,  or  from  previous  exposure  to  cold,  Thom- 
sonian  emetics  are  indicated. 

In  measles,  scarlet  fever,  and  small-pox  the  disease 
will  be  rendered  more  mild  in  its  character,  less 
dangerous,  and  sometimes  of  shorter  duration  by  the 
early  administration  of  a  Thomsonian  emetic. 

In  disease  of  children,  emetics  constitute  by  far  the 
most  efficient  remedy.  Vomiting  is  nature's  method 
of  relieving  the  stomach  of  infancy.  If  a  child  does 
not  vomit  at  any  time,  it  can  be  set  down  as  an  absolute 
sign  that  the  child  will  not  live  for  any  length  of  time. 
We  can  scarcely  do  wrong  in  giving  emetics  to  sick 
children,  more  especially  at  an  early  stage  of  disease. 
In  cases  of  sudden  attacks  of  fever,  croup,  convul- 
sions, etc.,  Lobelia  should  be  given  freely,  either  in 
powder  in  warm  teas,  or  in  simple  warm  water,  the 
tincture,  or  the  third  preparation.  The  latter  is  par- 


46  THE  THOMSON1AN 

ticularly  adapted  to  cases  of  spasms,  and  in  cases 
where  the  heat  of  the  system  is  very  low,  and  in  the 
advanced  stages  of  disease.  No  danger  need  be  ap- 
prehended from  vomiting  a  child  too  much  in  croup, 
nor  in  any  other  violent  attack  of  disease ;  nor  of 
relaxing  the  system  too  much  with  Lobelia,  especially 
if  a  few  grains  of  Capsicum  be  given  with  the  Lobelia. 
This  might  well  be  called  an  Elixir  of  Life. 

In  protracted  chills,  where  the  patient  is  in  a 
stupor,  the  third  preparation  of  Lobelia  should  be 
freely  given,  with  the  application  of  external  warmth 
and  friction  to  the  surface  with  a  view  of  bringing  on 
a  reaction. 

Emetics  administered  in  the  early  period  of  scarlet 
fever  will  sometimes  exert  a  powerful  influence  in 
moderating  the  violence,  and  in  shortening  the  dura- 
tion of  the  disease. 

In  cases  of  bleeding  from  the  lungs  the  effect  of  the 
operation  of  emetics  is  to  attract  blood  from  the  lungs 
and  diffuse  it  through  the  system  by  which  the  bleed- 
ing will  be  checked.  Warm  foot  baths,  or  the  vapor 
bath  should  be  employed  to  aid  in  restoring  the 
natural  equilibrium  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood. 

In  bleeding  from  the  stomach,  in  which  case  blood 
will  be  raised  by  vomiting,  the  employment  of  active 
emetics  are  indicated,  not  only  for  dislodging  accumu- 
lations of  blood  in  the  stomach,  which  may  have 
oppressed  its  energies,  but  to  cause  a  distribution  of 
blood  throughout  the  system,  and  to  strengthen  the 
weakened  capillary  vessels  of  the  mucous  membrane 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  47 

of  the  stomach.  The  third  preparation  of  Lobelia 
given  freely,  together  with  the  application  of  the 
vapor  bath,  is  successful  in  the  treatment  of  bleeding 
from  the  stomach,  and  it  is  not  known  to  have  ever 
failed  in  checking  the  hemorrhage. 

In  uterine  hemorrhage  the  flow  of  blood  may  in 
general  be  controlled  by  active  emetics,  aided  by  the 
use  of  injections  of  Geranium  directly  to  the  parts,  or 
packing  with  cotton  which  has  been  made  wet  with 
tincture  of  Geranium.  Nothing  is  equal  to  this. 

In  severe  colds  and  sore  throat,  either  from  inflam- 
mation or  the  existence  of  ulcers,  emetics  are  of  great 
utility. 

Emetics  are  more  effectual  than  any  other  remedy 
in  the  cure  of  consumption,  bronchitis,  and  other 
forms  of  disease  of  the  chest.  I  never  do  without  a 
tablet  composed  of  Lobelia  and  Capsicum  in  the 
treatment  of  these  diseases  and  always  give  a  tablet 
containing  two  grains  of  Lobelia  and  eight  grains  of 
Capsicum  before  meals.  This  acts  as  a  powerful 
tonic  and  there  is  no  reaction. 

The  most  severe  paroxysms  of  asthma  may  be 
overcome  by  a  thorough  emetic,  more  especially 
when  the  emetic  is  preceded  by  the  application  of  a 
vapor  bath,  rendering  the  system  more  sensitive  to 
the  impression  of  medicine. 

In  pleurisy  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  emetics 
may  be  employed  with  great  advantage,  more  especi- 
ally in  the  early  period  of  the  disease.  I  have  never 
observed  the  act  of  vomiting  to  be  attended  with 


48  THE  THOMSONIAN 

much  pain  or  difficulty  in  the  most  violent  cases  of 
pleurisy  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  As  a  patient 
sickens  the  system  becomes  relaxed,  which  affords  an 
explanation  why  a  patient  may  vomit  with  so  little 
pain  or  difficulty  when  there  is  active  inflammation  in 
the  pleura  or  lungs. 

In  their  wide  and  pervading  operation,  emetics 
subdue  or  have  a  tendency  to  subdue  vascular  action, 
to  remove  cutaneous  constriction,  promote  absorp- 
tion from  the  lungs,  facilitate  expectoration,  lessen 
dyspnoea,  cough  and  saguineous  discharge,  to  calm 
the  system  by  equalizing  excitement,  and  thus  re- 
establishing that  just  balance  in  the  distribution  of 
the  blood,  on  which  the  restoration  and  maintenance 
of  health  so  materially  depends. 

In  whooping  cough  more  benefit  may  be  derived 
from  the  use  of  emetics  than  from  any  other  remedy. 
In  violent  cases  an  emetic  should  be  given  daily,  or 
even  two  or  three  times  a  day.  In  those  cases  when 
violent  paroxysms  of  coughing  are  observed  to  come 
on  at  certain  periods,  it  is  a  good  practice  to  place 
the  patient  under  the  influence  of  Lobelia,  given  even 
to  the  amount  necessary  to  cause  free  vomiting 
previously  to  the  time  at  which  the  paroxysms  of 
coughing  usually  come  on. 

Emetics  form  an  important  part  of  the  treatment 
for  rheumatism,  lumbago,  gout,  neuralgia,  etc.  No 
remedy  under  my  observation  produces  so  much  re- 
lief in  these  forms  of  disease  as  active  emetics;  their 
efficacy  will  be  greatly  enhanced  by  the  previous  ap- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  49 

plication  of  a  vapor  bath. 

Of  the  various  remedies  that  have  been  employed 
in  the  treatment  of  dyspepsia,  emetics  have  proved  the 
most  successful.  Even  in  cases  where  there  is  ex- 
treme tenderness  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  an  emetic 
after  a  vapor  bath  will  afford  more  relief  in  general 
than  any  other  remedy.  In  the  early  stage  of  dys- 
pepsia, digestion,  in  most  instances,  may  be  restored 
by  one  or  two  active  emetics,  followed  by  the  free  use 
of  Capsicum  at  meals. 

Sick-headache  depending  upon  a  disordered  con- 
dition of  the  stomach  may  be  speedily  relieved  by  a 
prompt  emetic.  Besides  the  speedy  relief  which  the 
operation  of  emetics  afford,  they  sometimes  break  up 
the  disease  altogether,  the  patient  being  freed  from 
subsequent  attacks. 

Emetics  are  well  adapted  to  the  cure  of  every 
variety  of  colic,  or  cramp  in  the  stomach.  In  diar- 
rhoea, dysentery  and  cholera  morbus,  digestion  is 
lost,  and  the  stomach  contains  more  or  less  foul 
matter,  and  its  mucous  surface  is  coated  with 
thickened  secretions,  oppressing  its  functions,  which 
increase  the  distress  of  the  latter,  and  favor  the 
disease.  Hence  to  excite  free  vomiting  is  particu- 
larly indicated  in  the  cure  of  such  disorders.  Besides 
relieving  the  stomach  of  foul  matters,  Thomsonian 
emetics  exert  a  beneficial  influence  upon  the  secre- 
tions, cause  a  determination  to  the  surface,  restore 
capillary  circulation,  and  aid  the  efforts  of  nature  to 
restore  healthy  action  in  the  mucous  membrane  of 


50  THE  THOMSONIAN 

the  bowels. 

Epilepsy,  or  falling  sickness,  is  in  many  instances 
occasioned  by  an  oppressed  or  otherwise  disordered 
state  of  the  stomach,  demanding  the  use  of  emetics. 
By  exhibiting  them  just  before  the  accession  of  the 
paroxysm,  they  will  often  prevent  it,  and  even  if  they 
fail  in  this  respect,  they  render  it  milder  and  of  shorter 
duration.  Nor  is  this  all  which  they  accomplish.  By 
the  strong  and  direct  impression  made  on  the 
stomach,  the  commencement  in  that  organ  of  the 
wrong  association  constituting  the  disease,  is  broken, 
and  afterwards  it  yields  readily  to  tonics. 

Nearly  the  same  views  may  be  taken  of  hysteria. 
Even  admitting  that  the  disease  is  mostly  radiated  in 
the  uterus,  it  does  unquestionably  often  proceed  from 
gastric  irritation,  and  demands  to  be  treated  accord- 
ingly. Whatever  may  be  the  immediate  cause  of  the 
paroxysm,  no  remedy  is  so  effectual  as  vomiting.  It 
promptly  allays  the  convulsive  agitations  of  the 
nervous  system,  and  produces  a  state  of  mental  com- 
posure which  invites  to  sleep. 

The  better  way  is  to  give  an  emetic  during  the 
paroxysm  to  cut  it  short  and  afterwards  treat  the 
cause  which  will  usually  be  found  to  have  its  seat  in 
the  uterus.  It  may  be  an  irritated  or  ulcerated  womb, 
or  something  else,  but  it  is  always  caused  by  the  state 
of  the  womb  and  uterus,  this  affects  the  nervous 
system  and  brings  on  the  paroxysm.  Lobelia  is  of 
immense  value  in  preventing  the  tension  of  the  nervous 
system  and  the  uterus  must  be,  in  the  meantime, 
treated  for  the  trouble. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  51 

Apoplexy  brought  on,  as  it  often  is,  by  a  mass  of 
undigested  food  in  the  stomach,  calls  for  the  free  ex- 
hibition of  emetics,  of  which  the  third  preparation  of 
Lobelia  is  the  most  appropriate.  Lobelia  should  also 
be  administered  by  injection  and  allowed  to  be  re- 
tained in  the  bowels,  to  assist  in  exciting  vomiting, 
relax  the  system,  and  equalize  the  nervous  influence. 
Even  if  the  seat  of  apoplexy  is  in  the  brain,  and  in- 
curable, as  it  often  proves  to  be,  still  the  treatment 
can  do  no  harm. 

Mania  is  generally  associated  with,  and  most  fre- 
quently dependent  upon  a  disordered  condition  of 
the  stomach.  Many  cases  have  been  cured  by  free 
vomiting  with  stimulating  emetics. 

In  long-continued  dyspepsia,  as  in  other  forms  of 
seated  disease,  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach 
becomes  more  or  less  coated  with  a  false  membrane ; 
a  general  torpor  then  pervades  the  system,  the 
nervous  energy  is  prostrated,  and  the  energies  of  the 
mind  often  greatly  depressed.  In  such  cases  there  is 
no  plan  of  medical  treatment  which  promises  equal 
success  with  that  of  the  frequent  use  of  the  steam 
bath  and  stimulating  emetics.  These  means  will 
prove  the  most  effectual  in  restoring  the  secretions, 
and  causing  the  detachment  and  removal  of  false 
membrane  lining  the  stomach.  Without  effecting 
this  the  functions  of  the  stomach  cannot  be  restored. 
It  has  been  observed  on  many  occasions,  that  patients 
who  had  been  long  affected  with  dyspepsia,  are  very 
liable  to  experience  severe  pain  under  the  operation 


S2  THE  THOMSONIAN 

of  an  emetic,  and  often  complain  of  feeling  worse 
about  the  time  the  disease  is  taking  a  favorable 
change. 

Affections  of  the  head  in  general  proceed  from  de- 
rangement of  the  stomach,  so  that  not  only  in  sick- 
headache  are  emetics  indicated,  but  the  most  violent 
neuralgic  pains  in  the  head,  accompanied  with  ex- 
treme tenderness  of  the  scalp,  will  sometimes  be 
promptly  relieved  by  free  vomiting.  Even  genuine 
tic-doloreux,  the  neuralgia  of  some  writers,  has  been 
cured,  in  several  instances,  by  this  same  practice,  and 
with  such  facility  as  to  place  it  decidedly  above  all 
other  modes  of  treating  this  most  painful,  and  hither- 
to nearly  unmanageable  affection. 

The  operation  of  emetics  in  connection  with  the 
use  of  the  vapor  bath  are  applicable  to  cases  of 
dropsy.  Besides  cleansing  the  stomach,  placing  tlje 
system  under  the  relaxing  influence  of  Lobelia  pro- 
motes the  action  of  the  absorbent  vessels,  and 
consequently  the  use  of  this  remedy  is  particularly 
well  adapted  to  cases  of  dropsy. 

Emetics  form  an  important  part  of  the  treatment 
for  the  cure  of  jaundice.  Many  cases  of  this  form  of 
disease  were  and  are  cured  by  the  administration  of 
a  vapor  bath  and  an  emetic,  the  patient  having  taken 
freely  of  composition  and  compound  Lobelia  a  few 
days  preceding  the  bath  and  emetic.  Cases  that  are 
deeply  seated  will  require,  as  do  other  forms  of  seated 
disease,  a  repetition  of  courses  of  medicine,  together 
with  the  appropriate  intermediate  treatment. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  53 

Persons  laboring  under  the  poisonous  effects  of 
mercury  will  experience  benefit  from  the  use  of  the 
vapor  baths  and  emetics. 

Torpor  of  the  liver,  which  attends  jaundice  and 
bilious  fever,  has  frequently  been  removed,  and  the 
functions  of  this  important  organ  restored  through 
the  influence  of  vapor  baths,  and  active  emetics.  To 
restore  the  natural  temperature  of  the  blood  and 
impart  elecricity  to  it,  by  the  steam  bath ;  to  relax  the 
system  with  Lobelia ;  together  with  the  influence  of 
straining  efforts  to  vomit  constitutes  the  most 
effectual  means  of  relieving  congestion  of  the  liver, 
and  of  restoring  its  functions.  Lobelia  administered 
by  injection,  and  retained,  exerts  the  same  beneficial 
influence  upon  the  system  as  when  taken  into  the 
stomach.  Many  patients  will  not  admit  that  any- 
thing be  given  them  to  cause  vomiting  as  they  labor 
under  the  impression  that  a  medicine  that  causes 
vomiting  or  sickening  of  the  stomach  is  not  indicated 
in  their  case  and  the  physician  will  therefore  bear  in 
mind,  that  when  he  has  to  deal  with  this  class  of 
people,  he  can  give  the  Lobelia  by  injection  and  that 
it  will  help  the  same,  in  most  cases,  as  though  it  had 
been  given  per  orum. 

Whenever  the  system  experiences  a  severe  shock, 
as  by  falling  from  a  height,  a  violent  blow,  or  by  a 
severe  burn  or  scald,  digestion  will  be  suspended,  and 
if  the  accident  should  happen  soon  after,  or  within  an 
hour  or  two  after  the  patient  has  taken  a  hearty  meal, 
the  stomach  should  be  evacuated  by  an  active  emetic. 


54  THE  THOMSONIAN 

This  may  save  the  patient  a  great  deal  of  suffering 
and  materially  lessen  the  danger  of  the  injury. 

Thomsonian  emetics  may  be  employed  with  perfect 
safety  during  every  stage  of  pregnancy ;  and  most  of 
the  derangements  of  the  system  consequent  upon  that 
state,  such  as  a  feeling  of  fullness,  dizziness,  or  violent 
pain  in  the  head;  pain  and  distress  in  the  back  and 
loins ;  extreme  sickness ;  water  brash ;  and  distress  at 
the  stomach,  may  be  relieved  and  frequently  entirely 
removed,  for  a  time  at  least,  by  an  active  Lobelia 
emetic  preceded  by  the  use  of  an  enema,  and  a  vapor 
bath.  Women  can  be  carried  through  from  three  to 
nine  Thomsonian  courses  of  medicine  during  the  last 
two  weeks  preceding  their  confinement,  invariably 
deriving  benefit,  and  generally  complete  relief  from 
distress,  by  their  operation.  A  full  course  of  medicine 
administered  just  before  confinement  is  incomparably  the 
best  plan  of  treatment  that  has  ever  been  adopted  for 
insuring  an  easy  and  safe  labor. 

Child-bed  fever,  convulsions,  and  other  forms  of 
disease  which  sometimes  come  on  after  confinement, 
doubtless  in  the  great  majority  of  instances  may  be 
prevented,  or  at  least  the  system  be  placed  in  a  far 
better  condition  to  resist  the  influence  of  the  usual 
exciting  cause  of  disease,  by  a  course  of  medicine 
administered  in  the  first  stage  of  pregnancy. 

The  condition  of  the  stomach  excites  a  controlling 
influence  over  local  diseases,  such  as  painful  swellings 
in  every  part  of  the  body,  swelled  breast,  and  swell- 
ings in  the  groin,  neuralgia,  local  inflammation,  gout, 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  55 

disease  of  the  kidneys,  carbuncle,  affections  of  the 
spine,  abscesses,  etc.  In  the  early  stage  painful 
swellings  can  be  brought  to  a  crisis  and  dispersed  with- 
out suppuration  taking  place,  by  administering  vapor 
baths  and  emetics,  together  with  a  proper  use  of 
injections  to  assist  the  action  of  the  bowels. 

Just  so  much  as  the  stomach  is  disordered  will  local 
disease  become  generally  more  difficult  to  cure.  I 
have  known  indolent  ulcers  of  several  years  standing 
to  be  healed  in  a  few  weeks,  chiefly  by  improving  the 
condition  of  the  system  generally  and  more  par- 
ticularly that  of  the  stomach,  by  Thomsonian  courses 
of  medicine,  of  which  the  emetic  constitutes  un- 
doubtedly the  most  important  part  of  the  treatment. 

Even  when  the  seat  of  disease  is  located  principally 
in  the  brain,  emetics  may  be  given  with  great  advant- 
age in  many  cases.  This  is  because  the  brain  is  really 
the  station  of  the  nervous  system  and  whatever  affects 
the  nervous  system,  even  in  a  small  way,  will  most 
directly  affect  the  brain.  Lobelia  has  its  greatest 
influence  on  the  nervous  system  and  consequently, 
its  effects  on  the  brain  are  just  as  great  as  on  any  part 
of  the  nervous  system. 

If  a  person  be  injured  on  the  head  or  any  part  of 
the  body,  and  the  accident  occurs  soon  after  the 
patient  has  taken  a  hearty  meal,  a  prompt  emetic 
should  be  given,  or  the  patient  be  made  to  vomit 
freely  by  some  means.  If  this  is  neglected  the 
stomach  will  be  oppressed  by  a  mass  of  undigested 
food,  aggravating  the  symptoms,  and  causing  the 


56  THE  THOMSONIAN 

patient  much  suffering. 

When  any  substance  is  lodged  in  the  throat,  means 
should  at  once  be  taken  to  cause  vomiting.  Where 
this  cannot  be  effected  by  running  a  finger  into  the 
throat,  an  emetic  of  Lobelia  should  be  given.  If  the 
patient  cannot  swallow  an  emetic,  vomiting  may  be 
effected  by  administering  one  or  two  teaspoonfuls  of 
Lobelia  powder  in  warm  water  by  injection,  and  re- 
tain it  in  the  bowels.  Besides  producing  vomiting 
this  treatment  will  relax  the  system  and  thus  tend  to 
overcome  the  rigidity  of  the  parts  in  which  the  foreign 
substance  is  lodged,  and  lessening  the  difficulty  of  its 
being  removed. 

Finally,  in  disease,  the  stomach  is  more  or  less 
coated  with  thickened  tenacious  secretions,  for  the 
removal  of  which  there  is  no  remedy  so  effectual  as  a 
Lobelia  emetic  given  in  combination  with  Capsicum 
and  a  strong  decoction  of  Bayberry  or  Sumac. 

The  stomach  possesses  a  very  low  degree  of  sensi- 
bility, so  that  its  functions  may  be  greatly  depressed 
or  disordered  without  the  patient  experiencing  any 
symptoms  of  disease,  except  in  parts  remote  from  the 
stomach.  One  who  is  subject  to  a  weakness  in  any  part 
of  the  spine  will  experience  an  increase  of  the  disease 
by  the  stomach  becoming  more  disordered  than  usual. 
In  many  instances  disease  of  the  spine  has  been  cured 
by  the  use  of  the  vapor  bath  and  emetics. 

Eruptions  of  the  skin,  such  as  scald  hand,  nettle- 
rash,  and  tetter,  are  occasioned  in  general  by  de- 
rangement of  the  digestive  functions  and  these  erup- 


SYSTEM  OF  MBDICINB  57 

tions  may  frequently  be  more  effectually  cured  by 
emetics  than  by  any  external  applications. 

Only  enough  Lobelia  should  be  given  to  cause  the 
patient  to  vomit  and  immediately  after  that,  Capsicum 
should  be  given  in  grain  doses.  It  is  also  well  to  give 
a  few  grains  of  Capsicum  with  the  Lobelia  as  this 
will  keep  up  the  strength  and  heat  of  the  patient.  If 
injection  of  Lobelia  is  given,  a  few  grains  of  Capsicum 
should  also  be  added  to  that. 


58  THE  THOMSONIAN 


Injections   or   Clysters. 

(The  Internal  Bath) 


This  manner  of  administering  medicine  is  of  the 
greatest  importance  to  the  sick ;  it  will  frequently  give 
relief  when  all  other  applications  fail.  It  is  supposed 
that  the  use  of  them  is  of  great  antiquity;  whether 
this  be  true  or  not,  the  using  them  to  relieve  the  sick 
was  certainly  a  very  valuable  discovery,  and  no  doubt 
thousands  of  lives  have  been  saved  by  it.  The  doctors 
have  long  been  in  the  practice  of  directing  injections 
to  be  given  to  their  patients,  but  they  seem  to  have 
no  other  object  in  administering  them  than  to  cause 
a  movement  in  the  bowels ;  therefore  it  was  imma- 
terial what  they  were  made  of. 

According  to  the  plan  which  I  have  adopted,  there 
are  certain  important  objects  aimed  at  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  medicines  to  remove  disease,  viz: 
to  raise  the  internal  heat,  promote  perspiration,  re- 
move the  canker,  guard  against  mortification,  and 
restore  the  digestion.  To  accomplish  these  objects, 
the  medicine  necessary  to  remove  the  complaint  must 
be  applied  to  that  part  where  the  disease  is  seated ;  if 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  59 

in  the  stomach  only,  by  taking  the  medicine  it  may  be 
removed;  but  if  in  the  bowels,  the  same  compound 
must  be  administered  by  injection.  Whatever  is  good 
to  cure  disease  when  taken  into  the  stomach,  is  like- 
wise good  for  the  same  purpose  if  given  by  injection,  as 
the  grand  object  is  to  warm  the  bowels  and  remove 
the  canker.  In  all  cases  of  dysentery,  colic,  piles,  and 
other  complaints  where  the  bowels  are  badly  affected, 
injections  should  never  be  dispensed  with.  They  are 
perfectly  safe  in  all  cases,  and  better  that  they  be  used 
ten  times  when  not  needed,  than  once  neglected  when 
they  are.  In  many  violent  cases,  particularly  where 
there  is  danger  of  mortification,  patients  may  be  re- 
lieved by  administering  medicine  in  this  way,  when 
there  would  be  no  chance  in  any  other.  I  do,  there- 
fore, most  seriously  advise  that  these  considerations 
be  always  borne  in  mind,  and  that  this  important  way 
of  giving  relief  be  never  neglected  where  there  is  any 
chance  for  it  to  do  good.  In  many  complaints 
peculiar  to  females,  they  are  of  great  importance  in 
giving  relief  when  properly  attended  to;  for  which 
purpose  it  is  only  necessary  to  repeat  what  has  been 
before  stated — let  the  remedy  be  applied  with  judgment 
and  discretion  to  that  part  where  the  disease  is  seated. 

The  common  preparation  for  an  injection  or  clyster 
is  to  take  a  teacupful  of  strong  tea  made  of  No.  3, 
strain  it  off  when  hot,  and  add  half  a  teaspoonful  of 
No.  2,  and  a  teaspoonful  of  No.  6,  when  cool  enough 
to  give,  add  half  a  teaspoonful  of  No.  I,  and  the  same 
quantity  of  nerve  powder.  (I  now  use  these  in  com- 


60  THE  THOMSONIAN 

bination,  using  the  tincture  of  each  and  have  it  always 
ready.)  In  this  way  you  are  up-to-date  and  the  liquid 
compound  that  you  put  in  the  water  is  clear  and  there 
is  but  very  little  trouble  in  giving  it.  Get  the  tincture 
of  Nos.  3,  2,  6,  i  and  7,  take  of  each  an  amount 
equivalent  in  strength  to  that  of  the  amount  of 
powder  directed  in  the  foregoing.  This  would  be 
about :  Comp.  Tinct.  No  3,  2  drachms ;  Tinct.  No.  2, 
or  Capsicum,  3  grains ;  No.  6,  60  grains,  or  teaspoon- 
ful;  No.  I,  or  Lobelia  Tinct.,  I  drachm;  No.  7,  or 
Tinct.  Valerian,  i  drachm.  Mix. 

This  mixture  should  be  mixed  with  a  quart  of  fairly 
warm  water  and  injected,  retained  for  a  few  minutes 
and  then  passed  off.  This  may  be  repeated  as  often 
as  required  till  relief  is  obtained. 

Many  other  articles  may  be  used  to  advantage  in 
the  injections ;  a  tea  of  witch-hazel  and  red  raspberry 
leaves,  either  or  both  together,  are  very  good  in  many 
cases.  For  Canker,  tea  of  either  the  articles  described 
for  this  purpose  will  answer  a  good  purpose  and  give 
the  best  of  results.  When  the  Canker  is  removed,  the 
bowels  will  be  left  sore,  in  which  case  give  injections 
of  witch-hazel  or  red  raspberry  leaves  tea,  with  slip- 
pery-elm bark.  When  injections  are  used  to  move 
the  bowels  only,  No.  i  should  be  left  out.  It  is  always 
safe  to  add  the  nerve  powder,  and  if  there  are  nervous 
symptoms,  it  should  never  be  omitted. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  61 


Steam  or  Vapor   Baths 

Although  the  use  of  the  vapor  bath  as  a  means  of 
curing  disease  was  employed  many  centuries  back, 
still  the  principle  upon  which  it  operates  in  removing 
disease  was  not  fully  explained,  nor  its  utility  in  aiding 
the  operation  of  medicine  appreciated,  before  the  time 
of  Samuel  Thomson. 

The  vapor  bath  constitutes  an  important  part  of  the 
Thomsonian  system  of  practice,  fulfilling  several  im- 
portant indications  in  the  cure  of  disease.  It  diffuses 
warmth  through  the  system,  equalizes  the  circulation, 
imparts  electricity  to  the  blood,  and  increases  the 
sensibilities  of  the  system  to  the  impression  of  medi- 
cine. 

"I  had  but  little  knowledge  of  medicine,"  says 
Samuel  Thomson,  "when  through  necessity  I  dis- 
covered the  use  of  steaming,  to  add  heat  or  life  to  the 
decaying  spark;  and  with  it  I  was  enabled  by  ad- 
ministering such  vegetable  medicines  as  I  then  had  a 
knowledge  of,  to  effect  a  cure  in  cases  where  the 
regular  practitioners  had  given  them  over. 

"In  all  cases  where  the  heat  of  the  body  is  so  far 
exhausted  as  not  to  be  rekindled  by  using  the  medi- 
cine, and  being  shielded  from  the  surrounding  air  by 


62  THE  THOMSONIAN 

a  blanket,  or  being  in  bed,  and  chills  or  stupor  attend 
the  patient,  then  applied  heat  by  steaming  becomes 
indispensably  necessary ;  and  heat  caused  by  steam  in 
the  manner  that  I  use  it,  is  more  natural  in  producing 
perspiration  than  any  dry  heat  that  can  be  applied  to 
the  body  in  any  other  manner ;  for  a  dry  heat  will  only 
serve  to  dry  the  air  and  prevent  perspiration  in  many 
cases  of  disease,  where  a  steam  by  water  or  vinegar 
would  promote  perspiration  and  add  a  natural  warmth 
to  the  body,  and  thereby  increase  the  power  of  life  and 
motion  and  aid  in  removing  disease." 

We  often  hear  people  say  that  when  they  bleed  the 
blood  is  almost  black,  and  so  thick  that  it  will  scarcely 
run,  and  they  believe  that  the  blood  is  bad.  The  blood 
becomes  thick  and  dark  in  consequence  of  its  slow 
and  torpid  circulation  for  want  of  heat.  Place  a 
patient  in  the  condition  just  mentioned  in  a  vapor 
bath  at  a  proper  temperature,  and  in  less  than  twenty 
minutes  the  character  of  this  blood  will  be  changed,  so  that 
instead  of  being  almcst  as  thick  and  dark  as  molasses, 
as  it  was  before  steaming,  it  will  be  of  a  natural  color 
and  consistency,  in  consequence  of  the  warmth  and 
electricity  imparted  to  it  by  the  steam,  which  also 
restores  the  natural  current  of  its  circulation  through 
the  lungs. 

There  is  scarcely  a  form  of  disease  or  a  condition 
of  the  system  in  which  the  vapor  bath  may  not  be 
employed,  not  only  with  safety  but  benefit.  One  of 
the  most  important  objects  gained  by  the  application  of 
the  vapor  bath  is  adding  warmth  and  electricity  to  the 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  63 

blood.  It  has  been  ascertained  that  in  disease  even  of 
the  most  inflammatory  character,  the  blood  contains 
less  electricity  than  it  does  when  in  a  healthy  con- 
dition, and  by  applying  the  vapor  bath  in  the  early 
stage  of  pleurisy,  or  rheumatism,  the  disease  in  many 
instances  will  be  removed  by  it. 

Disease  of  an  inflammatory  character  generally 
proceeds  from  cold,  and  the  buffy  coat  which  appears 
on  the  blood  drawn  fronartDne  laboring  under  an  in- 
flammatory disease,  may  be  attributed  to  the  want  of 
a  sufficient  amount  of  heat  and  electricity  in  the  blood. 

The  vapor  bath  may  be  employed  with  immense 
benefit  in  disease  of  the  urinary  organs,  as  stranguary, 
gravel,  retention  of  urine,  inflammation  of  the  lungs, 
etc. 

Slight  attacks  of  jaundice  can  be  cured,  in  many 
instances,  by  a  single  vapor  bath,  followed  by  an 
emetic.  In  croup  where  the  disease  has  continued 
several  hours,  the  vapor  bath  is  almost  indispensible, 
in  order  to  restore  the  natural  warmth  of  the  blood, 
and  assist  the  operation  of  the  medicine. 

In  asthma  when  the  system  is  in  a  cold  and  torpid 
condition,  medicine  will  often  fail  of  affording  much 
relief  without  the  previous  use  of  a  vapor  bath.  In 
this  form  of  disease  it  has  been  found  that  the  hot  air 
bath  is  as  effectual  as  the  vapor  bath,  and  it  may  be 
administered  with  much  less  trouble. 

Ordinary  headache  is  speedily  cured  by  a  vapor 
bath.  In  dysentery  and  bowel  complaints  in  general 
the  use  of  the  vapor  bath  is  attended  by  the  most 


64  THE  THOMSONIAN 

signal  benefit. 

In  eruptive  diseases,  nettle-rash,  small-pox,  scarlet 
fever,  varioloid,  and  measles,  the  vapor  bath  may  be 
used  with  benefit  at  any  stage  of  the  disease.  If  the 
eruption  be  slow  to  appear,  applying  a  vapor  bath  will 
bring  it  out  to  the  surface ;  or  if  there  be  a  tendency 
to  retrocession  or  striking  in  of  the  eruption  the 
vapor  bath  should  be  applied,  or  at  least  a  moist  heat 
should  be  applied  around  the  patient,  and  powerful 
stimulants  given,  as  the  third  preparation  of  Lobelia, 
and  stimulating  injections.  In  every  stage  of  small- 
pox the  vapor  bath  is  grateful  to  the  patient  and  aids 
the  constitution  in  working  off  the  disease.  In  the 
later  period  of  small-pox,  when  scabs  are  forming  and 
the  patient  much  distressed,  the  steam  bath  will  afford 
more  relief  than  any  other  means  that  can  be  em- 
ployed; and  when  the  scales  are  dry  and  falling  off 
there  can  be  no  better  means  employed  for  restoring 
the  natural  healthy  condition  of  the  skin  than  steam- 
ing. Scarlet  fever  and  measles  are  very  liable  to  be 
followed  by  dropsy,  running  of  the  ears,  swelling  of 
the  glands,  etc.,  arising  in  part  from  an  unhealthy 
condition  of  the  skin,  which  may  be  remedied  by 
steaming  the  patient  two  or  three  times  about  the 
termination  of  the  eruptive  disease. 

The  duration  of  erysipelas  may  be  shortened  and 
the  symptoms  mitigated  by  steaming,  and  in  severe 
cases  it  should  not  be  neglected. 

The  vapor  bath  may  be  employed  with  especial 
benefit  in  all  cases  of  dropsy  except  when  the  disease 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  65 

is  incurable. 

In  violent  colds  and  catarrh  where  the  breathing  is 
greatly  oppressed  or  the  skin  dry  and  husky,  or  cold 
and  clammy,  and  the  patient  much  distressed,  the  use 
of  vapor  baths  becomes  highly  necessary,  not  only 
to  relieve  the  distressing  symptoms  but  to  facilitate 
the  operation  of  medicine.  Thousands  of  patients  die 
annually  of  consumption  that  in  its  early  stage  is 
curable  under  Thomsonian  treatment. 

In  peritonitis,  which  is  a  most  fatal  form  of  disease 
after  it  has  progressed  to  a  certain  stage,  the  vapor 
bath  should  be  promptly  and  perseveringly  applied, 
besides  giving  largely  of  Lobelia  and  pure  stimulants. 

In  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  liver,  stomach, 
bowels,  or  any  other  of  the  internal  organs  the  use  of 
the  vapor  bath  will  be  found  to  relieve  pain,  assist 
the  operation  of  medicine  and  shorten  the  course  of 
the  disease. 

In  "low  fevers,"  as  they  are  termed,  where  the  heat 
and  strength  of  the  patient  are  far  reduced,  I  have 
observed  marked  benefit  to  result  from  the  applica- 
tion of  steam  to  the  patient.  A  patient  who  is  too 
weak  to  sit  up  or  even  raise  his  head,  will  bear  steam- 
ing on  a  couch  or  mattress  in  many  instances  over  an 
hour  without  being  debilitated  by  it,  provided  proper 
attention  be  paid  to  bathing  the  face  and  surface  of 
the  body  occasionally  with  spirits  or  vinegar  and 
giving  stimulants.  The  most  remarkable  recoveries 
from  "low  malignant  fevers,"  as  they  are  termed,  that 
I  have  known  have  been  where  the  vapor  bath  has 


66  THE  THOMSONIAN 

been  administered  frequently  and  the  third  prepara- 
tion of  Lobelia  administered  freely,  both  by  injection 
and  to  the  stomach.  In  these  cases  the  steam  was  of 
course  applied  to  the  patient  in  bed  or  on  a  couch. 

The  vapor  bath  forms  an  important  auxiliary  in  the 
treatment  of  rheumatism,  gout,  lumbago,  palsy,  hys- 
teria, chlorosis,  neuralgia,  consumption,  fevers  of 
every  variety,  scrofula,  etc.  Finally,  the  application 
of  warmth  to  the  body  by  means  of  steam  aids  the 
efforts  of  nature  to  overcome  disease  of  every  variety 
that  is  curable  by  the  aid  of  medical  treatment. 

The  steam  bath  affords  a  protection  to  the  system 
against  sickness ;  and  when  applied  in  the  early  stage 
of  many  forms  of  disease  will  effectually  prevent  it 
from  becoming  seated,  by  restoring  the  lost  heat, 
promoting  the  secretions,  and  removing  obstructions. 

If  the  efficacy  and  safety  of  the  steam  bath  in  mid- 
wifery was  generally  known,  the  practice  of  giving 
ergot  would  become  entirely  abolished;  for  no 
sensible  woman  would  willingly  admit  to  be  poisoned 
herself  as  well  as  the  child,  who  had  a  knowledge  of 
the  utility  of  steaming,  and  more  especially  of  the 
course  of  medicine.  By  means  of  the  vapor  bath  and 
Lobelia  the  muscles  may  be  more  effectually  relaxed 
than  by  anything  else,  and  at  the  same  time  the  secre- 
tions are  promoted  and  nature  assisted  without  the 
least  possible  degree  of  danger  to  the  patient  from  the 
treatment.  For  pain  in  the  back  and  loins  during  preg- 
nancy the  steam  bath  may  be  used  with  much  benefit. 

As  a  course  of  medicine  has  so  frequently  been 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  67 

mentioned,  it  is  well  to  here  state  what  is  meant  by  it 
and  the  most  proper  way  to  give  it.  First,  give  Nos.  2 
and  3,  or  composition,  adding  a  teaspoonful  of  No.  6 ; 
then  steam,  and  when  in  bed  repeat  it,  adding  No.  I, 
which  will  cleanse  the  stomach  and  assist  in  keeping 
up  a  perspiration ;  when  this  has  done  operating,  give 
an  injection  made  with  the  same  article.  Where  there 
are  symptoms  of  nervous  affection,  or  spasms,  put 
half  a  teaspoonful  of  the  nerve  powder  into  each  dose 
given,  and  into  the  injection.  In  violent  cases,  where 
immediate  relief  is  needed,  Nos.  I,  2,  3  and  6  may  be 
given  together.  Injections  may  be  administered  at  all 
times,  and  in  all  cases  of  disease,  to  advantage ;  it  can 
never  do  harm,  and  in  many  cases  they  are  indis- 
pensably necessary,  especially  where  there  is  canker 
and  inflammation  in  the  bowels,  and  there  is  danger  of 
mortification,  in  which  case,  add  a  teaspoonful  of  No. 
6.  In  cases  of  this  kind,  the  injection  should  be  given 
first,  or  at  the  same  time  of  giving  the  composition, 
or  No.  3.  The  latter  preferred. 

The  use  of  steaming  is  good  in  preventing  sickness, 
as  well  as  curing  it.  When  a  person  has  been  exposed 
to  the  cold,  and  is  threatened  with  disease,  it  may  be 
prevented,  and  long  sickness  and  expense  saved,  by  a 
very  little  trouble,  by  standing  over  a  steam  and 
following  the  directions  before  given  till  the  cold  i» 
thoroughly  thrown  off,  and  a  lively  perspiration  takes 
place,  then  go  to  bed,  taking  a  hot  water  bottle  along 
and  putting  it  to  the  feet.  This  may  be  done  without 
the  medicine,  when  it  cannot  be  had ;  but  it  is  much 


68  THE  THOMSONIAN 

better  to  take  something  to  raise  the  inward  heat  at 
the  same  time.  A  tea  made  of  Mayweed  or  Summer- 
Savory,  or  Ginger  and  hot  water  sweetened,  may  be 
given,  or  anything  that  is  warming. 

When  a  patient  is  carried  through  a  course  of  medi- 
cine and  steamed,  who  has  been  long  under  mercurial 
treatment,  and  while  under  the  operation  of  the 
steam,  when  the  heat  is  at  the  highest,  the  face  will 
swell,  in  consequence  of  the  poisonous  vapor  being 
condensed  by  the  air,  the  face  being  open  to  it.  To 
relieve  this,  put  them  in  bed,  and  take  a  hot  stone, 
wrapped  in  several  thicknesses  of  cloth,  wet  with 
water,  pouring  on  a  little  vinegar,  and  making  a  lively 
steam ;  put  it  in  the  bed  and  cover  the  head  with  the 
clothes  and  let  them  breathe  the  steam  as  hot  as  can 
be  borne,  until  the  sweat  covers  the  swelled  parts. 
This  will,  in  about  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  throw 
out  the  poison,  and  the  swelling  will  abate.  This 
method  also  is  of  great  service  in  agues  and  tooth- 
ache caused  by  cold;  and  many  other  causes  of  ob- 
struction from  the  same  cause,  especially  young 
children  stuffed  on  the  lungs. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  69 


Directions  for  Preparing  Remedies 

USED  IN 

A  Course  of  Medicine  According  to  Dr.  Thomson 


No.  i. — EMETIC  HERB. 

1.  The  powdered  leaves  and  pods.  This  is  the  most 
common  form  of  using  it;  and  from  half  to  a  tea- 
spoonful  may  be  taken  in  warm  water,  sweetened ;  or 
the  same  quantity  may  be  put  into  either  of  the  other 
numbers  when  taken  to  cleanse  the  stomach,  over- 
power the  cold,  and  promote  a  free  perspiration. 

2.  A  tincture  made  from  the  green  herb  in  spirit. 
This  is  used  to  counteract  the  effects  of  poison  (to  be 
either  taken  internally  or  applied  externally)  and  for 
asthma  and  other  complaints  of  the  lungs.     For  a 
dose,  take   a   teaspoonful,   adding   about   the   same 
quantity  of  No.  2  in  half  a  teacupful  of  warm  water, 
sweetened,  and  in  all  cases  of  nerve  affection  add  half 
a  teaspoonful  of  nerve  powder.     For  the  external 
effects  of  poison,  take  the  above  dose,  and  bathe  the 
parts  affected  with  the  tincture,  repeating  it  till  cured. 

3.  The  seeds  reduced  to  a  fine  powder  and  mixed 


5a 


70  THE  THOMSONIAN 

with  Nos.  2  and  6,  is  for  the  most  violent  at- 
tacks of  spasms  and  other  complaints,  such  as  lock- 
jaw, bite  of  a  mad-dog,  fits,  drowned  persons,  and  all 
cases  of  suspended  animation,  where  the  vital  spark 
is  nearly  extinct.  For  a  dose,  give  a  teaspoonful,  and 
repeat  it  till  relief  is  obtained ;  then  follow  with  a  tea 
of  No.  3  for  canker. 

For  children,  the  dose  must  be  regulated  according 
to  their  age.  If  very  young,  steep  a  dose  of  the  pow- 
der in  half  a  teacupful  of  warm  water,  or  tea  of  rasp- 
berry leaves,  and  give  a  teaspoonful  at  a  time  of  the 
tea,  strained  through  a  fine  cloth,  and  sweetened,  re- 
peating the  dose  every  ten  minutes,  till  it  operates, 
and  give  pennyroyal,  or  some  other  herb  tea,  for 
drink. 

No.  2. — CAYENNE.  CAPSICUM. 
This  is  a  medicine  of  great  value  in  the  practice, 
and  may  be  safely  used  in  all  cases  of  disease  to  raise 
and  retain  the  internal  vital  heat  of  the  system,  cause 
a  free  perspiration,  and  keep  the  determining  powers 
to  the  surface.  The  only  preparation  is  to  have  it 
reduced  to  a  fine  powder.  For  a  dose,  take  from  half 
to  a  teaspoonful,  in  hot  water,  or  a  tea  of  No.  3, 
sweetened;  or  the  same  quantity  may  be  mixed  with 
a  dose  of  either  the  other  numbers  when  taken.  The 
dose  should  be  repeated  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes 
till  the  desired  object  is  effected,  and  continued  oc- 
casionally till  health  is  restored.  When  this  number 
is  given,  the  patient  should  be  kept  warm  by  sitting 
by  the  fire,  covered  with  a  blanket,  or  in  a  warm  bed. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  71 

No.  3. — FOR  CANKER. 

Take  bayberry  root  bark,  white  pond  lily  root,  and 
the  inner  bark  of  hemlock,  equal  parts  of  each 
pounded  and  well  mixed  together ;  steep  one  ounce  of 
the  powder  in  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  and  give  for  a 
dose  a  common  wineglassful,  sweetened. 

If  the  above  cannot  be  had,  take  as  a  substitute 
summach  bark,  leaves  or  berries,  red  raspberry  or 
witch-hazel  leaves,  marsh  rosemary,  or  either  of  the 
other  articles  used  for  this  purpose. 

When  the  violence  of  the  disease  requires  a  course 
of  medicine,  steep  one  ounce  of  the  above-mentioned 
powder,  No.  3,  in  a  pint  of  boiling  water,  strain  off  a 
wineglassful  while  hot,  and  add  a  teaspoonful  of  No. 
2,  and  the  same  quantity  of  sugar ;  when  cool  enough 
to  take,  add  a  teaspoonful  of  No.  I,  and  half  that 
quantity  of  nerve  powder.  Let  this  dose  be  given 
three  times,  at  intervals  of  fifteen  minutes,  and  let  the 
same  compound  be  given  by  injection,  and  if  the  case 
requires  it,  repeat  it.  If  mortification  is  apprehended, 
a  teaspoonful  of  No.  6  may  be  added  to  each  dose, 
and  to  the  injection. 

After  the  patient  has  recovered  sufficiently  from 
the  operation  of  the  medicine,  which  is  usually  in  two 
or  three  hours,  place  him  in  a  steam  bath  as  directed 
in  another  part  of  this  work. 

This  operation  is  sufficient  for  one  time,  and  must 
be  repeated  each  day,  or  every  other  day,  as  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case  may  require,  till  the  disorder  is 
removed.  Three  times  will  generally  be  sufficient,  and 


72  THE  THOMSON1AN 

sometimes  once  or  twice  will  answer  the  purpose,  but 
in  bad  chronic  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  continue 
to  carry  them  through  a  regular  course  two  or  three 
times  a  week,  for  a  considerable  length  of  time. 

Great  care  must  be  taken  to  keep  up  an  internal 
heat,  so  as  to  produce  perspiration,  after  they  have 
been  through  the  operation,  by  giving  occasionally 
No.  2,  or  the  composition  powder,  for  if  this  is  not 
attended  to,  the  patient  will  have  a  relapse,  in  which 
case  it  will  be  very  difficult  to  raise  the  heat  again,  as 
they  will  fall  as  much  below  a  natural  heat  as  they 
have  been  raised  above  it  by  artificial  means. 

During  the  operation  give  milk  porridge,  or  gruel, 
well  seasoned,  with  a  little  powdered  Capsicum  in  it, 
and  after  it  is  over,  the  patients  may  eat  any  kind  of 
nourishing  food  that  the  appetite  may  crave. 

A  teacupful  of  the  tea  of  No.  3  should  be  taken 
night  and  morning  to  prevent  a  relapse  of  the  disease, 
and  during  the  day  drink  frequently  of  a  tea  made  of 
poplar  bark,  and  if  costive,  use  the  bitter  root. 

As  soon  as  the  disorder  is  removed,  use  the  bitters, 
No.  4,  to  correct  the  bile  and  restore  the  digestion; 
and  half  a  wineglassful  of  the  syrup,  No.  5,  may  be 
taken  two  or  three  times  a  day,  which  will  strengthen 
the  stomach  and  assist  in  regulating  the  digestive 
powers. 

The  foregoing  directions  are  calculated  for  the 
more  violent  attacks  of  disease,  and  such  as  have 
become  settled,  but  those  of  a  less  violent  nature 
must  be  treated  according  to  circumstances.  In  the 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  73 

first  stage  of  a  disease,  it  may  be  most  generally 
thrown  off  by  a  dose  of  the  No.  I  Emetic  Herb,  with 
No.  2  to  raise  a  free  perspiration,  followed  by  a  tea  of 
No.  3,  to  remove  the  canker,  and  the  bitters  or  a  tea 
of  poplar  bark  to  regulate  the  digestion.  For  a  sud- 
den cold,  take  a  dose  of  the  composition  powder  on 
going  to  bed,  and  put  a  hot  stone,  wrapped  in  wet 
cloths,  at  the  feet,  which  will  in  most  cases  remove 
the  complaint ;  but  if  these  applications  do  not  answer 
the  purpose,  the  patient  should  be  carried  through  a 
regular  course  as  soon  as  possible.  Steaming  is  safe 
and  will  always  do  good,  and  the  injections  must  not 
be  neglected,  particularly  where  the  bowels  are  dis- 
ordered. In  consumption,  and  all  old,  lingering  com- 
plaints, give  the  composition  powder  for  two  or  three 
days  before  going  through  a  regular  course. 
No.  4. — BITTERS. 

Take  the  Bitter  Herb,  or  Balmony,  Barberry  and 
Poplar  Bark,  equal  parts,  pulverized,  one  ounce  of  the 
powder  to  a  pint  of  hot  water,  and  half  a  pint  of  spirit. 
For  a  dose,  take  half  a  wineglassful.  For  hot  bitters, 
add  a  teaspoonful  of  No.  2. 

This  preparation  is  calculated  to  correct  the  bile 
and  create  an  appetite  by  restoring  the  digestive 
powers ;  and  may  be  freely  used  both  as  a  restorative 
and  to  prevent  disease. 

No.  5. — SYRUP. 

Take  Poplar  Bark  and  bark  of  the  root  of  Bay- 
berry,  one  pound  each,  and  boil  them  in  two  gallons 


74  THE  THOMSONIAN 

of  water;  strain  off  and  add  seven  pounds  of  good 
sugar;  then  scald  and  skim  it,  and  add  half  a  pound 
of  peach  meats,  or  the  same  quantity  of  cherry-stone 
meats,  pounded  fine.  When  cool  add  a  gallon  of  good 
brandy,  and  keep  in  bottles  for  use.  Take  half  a 
wineglassful  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

Any  other  quantity  may  be  prepared,  by  observing 
the  same  proportion  of  the  different  articles. 

This  syrup  is  very  good  to  strengthen  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  and  to  restore  weak  patients,  and  is  par- 
ticularly useful  in  the  dysentery,  which  leaves  the 
stomach  and  bowels  in  a  sore  state.  In  a  relax  or  the 
first  stage  of  the  dysentery,  by  using  a  tea  of  No.  3 
freely  and  giving  this  syrup,  it  will  generally  cure  it, 
and  will  also  prevent  those  exposed  from  taking  the 
disease. 

No.  6. — RHEUMATIC  DROPS. 

Take  one  gallon  of  good  fourth-proof  brandy,  or 
any  kind  of  high  wines,  one  pound  of  gum  myrrh, 
pounded  fine,  one  ounce  of  No.  2,  and  put  them  into  a 
stone  jug,  and  boil  it  a  few  minutes  in  a  kettle  of 
water,  leaving  the  jug  unstopped.  When  settled, 
bottle  it  up  for  use.  It  may  be  prepared  without 
boiling,  by  letting  it  stand  in  the  jug  five  or  six  days, 
shaking  it  well  every  day,  when  it  will  be  fit  for  use. 

These  drops  are  to  remove  pain  and  prevent  morti- 
fication, to  be  taken,  or  applied  externally,  or  to  be 
put  in  the  injections.  One  or  two  teaspoonfuls  of 
these  drops  may  be  given  alone,  or  the  same  quantity 
may  be  put  into  a  dose  of  either  of  the  medicines  be- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  75 

fore  mentioned,  and  may  be  also  used  to  bathe  with 
in  all  cases  of  external  swellings  or  pains.  It  is  an 
excellent  remedy  for  rheumatism,  by  taking  a  dose 
and  bathing  the  parts  affected  with  it.  In  the  head- 
ache, by  taking  a  swallow,  and  bathing  the  head,  and 
snuffing  a  little  up  the  nose,  it  will  remove  the  pain. 
It  is  good  for  bruises,  sprains,  swelled  joints,  and  old 
sores,  as  it  will  allay  the  inflammation,  bring  down 
swellings,  ease  pain,  and  produce  a  tendency  to  heal ; 
in  iact,  there  is  hardly  a  complaint  in  which  this  usefui 
medicine  cannot  be  used  to  advantage.  It  is  the  best 
preservative  against  mortification  of  anything  that 
has  ever  been  found. 

For  bathing,  in  rheumatism,  itch,  or  other  humors, 
or  in  any  swelling  or  external  pain,  add  one  quarter 
part  of  spirits  of  turpentine,  and  for  sprains  and 
bruises  a  little  gum  camphor  may  be  added. 

No.  7. — FOR  COMPOSITION  POWDER. 

Take  two  pounds  of  the  bayberry  root  bark,  one 
pound  of  the  inner  bark  of  hemlock,  one  pound  of 
ginger,  two  ounces  of  Capsicum,  two  ounces  of  cloves, 
all  pounded  fine,  sifted  through  a  fine  sieve,  and  well 
mixed  together.  For  a  dose,  take  a  teaspoonful  of 
this  powder,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  sugar,  and  put 
to  it  half  a  teacupful  of  boiling  water ;  to  be  taken  as 
soon  as  sufficiently  cool,  the  patient  being  in  bed,  or 
by  the  fire,  covered  with  a  blanket. 

This  composition  is  calculated  for  the  first  stages, 
and  in  less  violent  attacks  of  disease.  It  is  a  medicine 


76  THE  THOMSONIAN 

of  much  value,  and  may  be  safely  used  in  all  com- 
plaints of  male  or  female,  and  for  children.  It  is  good 
for  relax,  dysentery,  pain  in  the  stomach  and  bowels, 
and  to  remove  all  obstructions  caused  by  cold  or  loss 
of  inward  heat.  By  taking  a  dose  on  going  to  bed, 
and  putting  a  hot  stone  to  the  feet,  wrapped  in  wet 
cloths,  it  will  cure  a  bad  cold,  and  will  generally  throw 
off  a  disease  in  its  first  stages,  if  repeated  two  or  three 
times.  If  the  symptoms  are  violent,  with  much  pain, 
add  to  each  dose  a  teaspoonful  of  No.  6,  and  half  a 
teaspoonful  of  No.  I,  and  in  nervous  symptoms  add 
half  a  teaspoonful  of  nerve  powder,  at  the  same  time 
giving  an  injection  of  the  same.  If  these  should  not 
answer  the  purpose,  the  patient  must  be  carried 
through  a  regular  course  of  the  medicine,  as  has  been 
before  described. 

No.  8. — NERVE  POWDER. 

American  Valerian,  or  Ladies'  Slipper;  sometimes 
called  Umbil,  or  Male  and  Female  Nervine. 

There  are  four  species  of  this  valuable  vegetable, 
one  male  and  three  female.  The  male  is  called  Yellow 
Umbil,  and  grows  in  swamps  and  wet  land;  has  a 
large  cluster  of  fibrous  roots  matted  together,  joined 
to  a  solid  root,  which  puts  forth  several  stalks  that 
grow  about  two  feet  high;  it  has  leaves  something 
resembling  the  poke  leaf.  The  female  kinds  are  dis- 
tinguished by  the  color  of  the  blossoms,  which  are 
red,  red  and  white,  and  white.  The  red  has  but  two 
leaves,  which  grow  out  of  the  ground,  and  lean  over 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  77 

to  the  right  and  left,  between  which  a  single  stalk 
shoots  up  to  the  height  of  from  eight  to  ten  inches, 
bearing  on  its  top  a  red  blossom  of  a  very  singular 
form,  that  gives  it  the  name  of  Female  Umbil.  This 
kind  is  found  on  high  ledges  and  in  swamps.  The 
red  and  white  and  white  Umbil  grows  only  in  swamps, 
and  is  in  larger  clusters  of  roots  than  the  yellow,  but 
in  a  similar  form ;  its  top  is  similar  to  the  red,  except 
the  color  of  the  blossom.  The  yellow  and  red  are  the 
best  for  medicine ;  the  roots  should  be  dug  in  the  fall 
when  done  growing,  or  in  the  spring,  before  the  tops 
put  forth.  If  dug  when  growing,  the  roots  will  nearly 
all  dry  up.  When  the  roots  are  dug,  they  should  be 
washed  clean,  carefully  dried,  and  pounded  or  ground 
to  a  fine  powder,  sifted  through  a  fine  sieve,  and  pre- 
served from  the  air  for  use. 

This  powder  is  the  best  nervine  known.  I  have 
made  great  use  of  it  and  have  always  found  it  to  pro- 
duce the  most  beneficial  effects  in  all  cases  of  nervous 
affections,  and  in  hysterical  symptoms;  in  fact,  it 
would  be  difficult  to  get  along  without  it  in  my  prac- 
tice. It  is  perfectly  harmless,  and  may  be  used  in  all 
cases  of  disease  with  safety,  and  is  much  better  than 
opium,  which  only  deadens  the  feelings,  and  relieves 
pain  only  by  destroying  sensibility  without  doing  any 
good.  It  has  been  supposed  by  the  doctors  of  the  old 
school  to  be  of  a  narcotic  nature,  but  this  is  a  mistake. 
They  have  drawn  this  conclusion,  I  suppose,  from  its 
tendency  to  promote  sleep,  but  this  is  altogether 
owing  to  its  quieting  the  nerves,  and  leaving  the 


78  THE  THOMSONIAN 

patient  at  ease  when  nature  requires  sleep  to  recover 
the  natural  tone  of  the  system.  Half  a  teaspoonful 
may  be  given  in  hot  water,  sweetened,  and  the  dose 
repeated  if  necessary;  or  the  same  quantity  may  be 
mixed  with  a  dose  of  either  the  other  numbers,  when 
given,  and  put  into  the  injections,  and  where  there 
are  nervous  symptoms  it  should  never  be  dispensed 
with. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  79 


Thompsonian    Materia  Medica 


I  shall  make  mention  only  of  the  most  important 
articles  used  in  the  Thomsonian  or  Physio  Medical 
practice  and  give  only  such  as  are  non-poisonous. 
The  article  will  be  described  in  the  Thomsonian  terms 
but  I  shall  also  give  the  dose  of  the  Tincture  so  that 
instead  of  making  an  infusion,  the  physician  can  buy 
the  Tincture  and  will  then  have  the  remedy  in  uni- 
form strength.  In  order  to  have  a  tincture  to  act  as 
would  an  infusion,  it  is  only  necessary  to  give  it  in 
hot  water  and  as  often  as  the  infusion  would  be  given. 
Such  preparations  as  Thomson's  No.  5  are  best  made 
directly  from  the  roots  and  barks.  So  is  also  the  No. 
6.  The  others  can  be  prepared  by  mixing  the  tinc- 
tures of  the  given  roots  and  barks  and  are  then  always 
ready  for  use.  Capsicum  and  Lobelia  I  never  use  in 
the  infusion  of  tea.  I  get  the  tablets  made  from  the 
tinctures  or  fluid  extracts.  These  I  have  found  to 
give  entire  satisfaction,  when  coated,  they  are  easy  to 
take  and  they  have  never  failed  to  give  me  satisfac- 
tion. They  do  their  work  and,  in  this  form,  are  easy 


80  THE  THOMSONIAN 

to  carry.  The  Physio  Medicalist  must  be  up-to-date 
and  he  can  only  be  so  by  using  these  tried  remedies  in 
the  most  approved  form. 

EMETIC  HERB. — Lobelia  Infiata  Linnaeus. 
(According  to  Thomson.) 

Says  Thomson:  "In  giving  a  description  of  this 
valuable  herb,  I  shall  be  more  particular,  because  it 
is  the  most  important  article  made  use  of  in  this  system 
of  practice,  without  which  it  would  be  incomplete,  and 
the  medical  virtues  of  which,  and  the  administering  it 
in  curing  disease,  I  claim  it  as  my  own  discovery. 
The  first  knowledge  I  eyer  had  of  it  was  obtained  by 
accident  more  than  forty  years  ago  (1780),  and  never 
had  any  information  whatever  concerning  it,  except 
what  I  have  gained  by  my  own  experience.  A  great 
deal  has  been  said  of  late  about  this  plant,  both  in 
favor  and  against  its  utility  as  a  medicine ;  but  all  that 
the  faculty  have  said  or  published  concerning  it  only 
shows  their  ignorance  on  the  subject;  for  there  is 
very  little  truth  in  what  they  have  stated  concerning 
its  medical  properties,  except  wherein  they  have 
admitted  it  to  be  a  certain  cure  for  the  asthma,  one  of 
the  most  distressing  complaints  that  human  nature  is 
subject  to.  It  is  a  truth  which  cannot  be  disputed  by 
any  one,  that  all  they  have  known  about  this  article, 
and  the  experiments  that  have  been  made  to  ascer- 
tain its  value,  originated  in  my  making  use  of  it  in  my 
practice." 

In  the  course  of  my  practice,  a  number  of  the 
doctors  discovered  that  the  medicine  I  make  use  of 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  81 

produced  effects  which  astonished  them,  and  which 
they  could  not  account  for ;  this  induced  them  to  con- 
clude that  because  it  was  so  powerful  in  removing 
disease  it  must  be  poison.  This,  I  think,  can  be  very 
satisfactorily  accounted  for ;  they  have  no  knowledge 
of  anything  in  all  their  medical  science  (?)  which  is 
capable  of  producing  a  powerful  effect  upon  the 
human  system,  except  what  is  poisonous,  and  there- 
fore naturally  form  their  opinions  agreeably  to  this 
erroneous  theory.  There  is  a  power  to  produce  life, 
and  a  power  to  produce  death,  which  are  of  course 
directly  opposed  to  each  other;  and  whatever  tends 
to  promote  life  cannot  cause  death,  let  its  power  be 
ever  so  great.  In  this  consists  all  the  difference  be- 
tween my  system  of  practice  and  that  of  the  learned 
doctors.  In  consequence  of  their  thus  forming  an 
erroneous  opinion  of  this  herb,  which  they  had  no 
knowledge  of,  they  undertook  to  represent  it  as  a 
deadly  poison;  and  in  order  to  destroy  my  practice, 
they  raised  a  hue  and  cry  about  my  killing  my 
patients  by  administering  it  to  them.  Some  of  the 
faculty  even  made  oath  that  it  was  poison,  and  when 
taken  into  the  stomach,  if  it  did  not  cause  immediate 
vomiting,  it  was  certain  death.  It  is  unnecessary  for 
me  now  to  point  out  the  falsity  of  this,  for  the  fact  is 
pretty  well  known  that  there  is  no  death  in  it ;  but,  on 
the  contrary,  there  is  no  vegetable  that  the  earth  pro- 
duces more  harmless  in  its  effects  on  the  human 
system,  and  more  powerful  in  removing  disease  and 
promoting  health. 


82  THE  THOMSONIAN 

There  is  no  mention  made  of  this  herb  by  any 
author,  that  I  have  been  able  to  find,  previous  to  my 
discovering  it,  excepting  by  Linnaeus,  who  has  given 
a  correct  description  of  it  under  the  name  of  Lobelia 
Inflata;  but  there  is  nothing  said  of  its  medical 
properties ;  it  is  therefore  reasonable  to  conclude  that 
they  were  not  known  till  I  discovered  it,  and  proved 
it  to  be  useful.  When  the  faculty  first  made  the  dis- 
covery that  I  used  the  Emetic  Herb  in  my  practice, 
they  declared  it  to  be  a  deadly  poison;  and  while 
persecuting  me  by  every  means  in  their  power,  and 
representing  to  the  world  that  I  killed  my  patients 
with  it,  they  were  very  ready  to  call  it  my  medicine, 
and  allow  it  to  be  my  own  discovery ;  but  since  their 
ignorance  of  it  has  been  exposed,  and  they  find  it  is 
going  to  become  an  article  of  great  value,  an  attempt 
seems  to  be  made  to  rob  me  of  all  the  credit  for  caus- 
ing its  value  to  be  known,  and  the  profits  which  be- 
long to  me  for  the  discovery.  In  which  some  who 
have  been  instructed  by  me  are  ready  to  join,  for  the 
purpose  of  promoting  their  own  interest  at  my  ex- 
pense. 

Dr.  Thatcher,  in  his  Dispensatory,  has  undertaken 
to  give  an  account  of  this  herb ;  but  is  very  erroneous, 
except  in  the  description  of  it,  which  is  nearly  correct. 
It  appears  that  all  the  knowledge  he  has  on  the  sub- 
ject as  to  its  virtues,  is  borrowed  from  others,  and  is 
probably  derived  from  the  ridiculous  ideas  enter- 
tained of  its  power  by  those  doctors  who  knew  noth- 
ing about  it,  except  what  they  gained  by  my  making 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  83 

use  of  it,  as  has  been  before  stated.  As  to  its  being 
dangerous  to  administer  it,  and  that  if  it  does  not 
puke  it  frequently  destroys  the  patient,  and  sometimes 
in  five  or  six  hours;  and  that  even  horses  and  cattle 
have  been  supposed  to  be  killed  by  eating  it  acci- 
dently,  is  as  absurd  as  it  is  untrue,  and  only  proves 
their  ignorance  of  the  article.  He  tells  a  melancholy 
story  about  the  Lobelia  Inflata  being  administered  by 
the  adventurous  hand  of  a  noted  empiric,  who,  he 
says,  frequently  administered  it  in  a  dose  of  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  powdered  leaves,  and  often  repeated; 
which,  he  says,  furnishes  alarming  examples  of  its 
deleterious  properties  and  fatal  effects.  This,  there  is 
no  doubt,  alludes  to  me,  and  took  its  rise  from  the 
false  statements  circulated  about  me  at  the  time  of 
my  persecution,  to  prejudice  the  public  against  my 
practice.  It  is  true  the  dose  that  I  usually  prescribe 
is  a  teaspoonful  of  the  powder ;  but  that  it  ever  pro- 
duced any  fatal  effects  is  altogether  incorrect,  and  is 
well  known  to  be  so  by  all  who  have  any  correct 
knowledge  on  the  subject. 

What  is  quoted  in  the  Dispensatory,  from  the  Rev. 
Dr.  M.  Cutler,  concerning  this  herb,  is,  in  general, 
correct,  particularly  as  it  regards  its  being  a  specific 
for  the  asthma;  though  he  labored  under  many  mis- 
taken notions  about  its  effects  when  taken  into  the 
stomach.  He  says :  "If  the  quantity  be  a  little  in- 
creased, it  operates  as  an  emetic,  and  then  as  a  ca- 
thartic, its  effects  being  much  the  same  as  those  of  the 
common  emetic  and  cathartics."  In  this  he  is  mis- 


84  THE  THOMSONIAN 

taken,  for  it  is  entirely  different  from  any  other  emetic 
known ;  and  as  to  its  operating  as  a  cathartic,  I  never 
knew  it  to  have  such  an  effect  in  all  my  practice.  And 
I  certainly  ought  to  know  something  about  it,  after 
having  made  use  of  it  for  about  twenty  years,  and 
administering  it  in  every  form  and  manner  that  it  can 
be  given,  and  for  every  disease  that  has  come  within 
my  knowledge.  It  appears  that  all  the  knowledge  he 
and  other  doctors  have  got  of  this  herb  being  useful 
in  curing  disease,  particularly  in  the  asthma,  was  ob- 
tained from  me ;  for  when  I  was  persecuted,  I  was 
obliged  to  expose  my  discoveries  to  show  the  falsity 
of  the  indictment.  Dr.  Cutter  was  brought  forward 
as  a  witness  at  my  trial,  to  prove  the  virtues  of  this 
plant  by  his  evidence  that  he  cured  himself  of  the 
asthma  with  it.  He  says  the  first  information  he  had 
of  its  being  good  for  that  complaint  was  from  Dr. 
Drury,  of  Marblehead.  In  the  fall  of  the  year  1807, 
I  introduced  the  use  of  the  Emetic  Herb,  tinctured  in 
spirit,  for  the  asthma  and  other  complaints  of  the 
lungs,  and  cured  several  of  the  consumption.  In 
1808,  I  cured  a  woman  in  Newington  of  the  asthma, 
who  had  not  laid  in  her  bed  for  six  months.  I 
gathered  some  of  the  young  plants  not  bigger  than  a 
dollar,  bruised  them,  and  tinctured  them  in  spirits, 
gave  her  the  tincture,  and  she  lay  in  bed  the  first 
night.  I  showed  her  what  it  was,  and  how  to  prepare 
and  use  it,  and  by  taking  this  and  other  things  accord- 
ing to  my  direction,  she  has  enjoyed  a  comfortable 
state  of  health  for  twelve  years,  and  has  never  been 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  85 

obliged  to  sit  up  one  night  since.  The  same  fall  I 
used  it  in  Beverly  and  Salem,  Mass.,  and  there  can  be 
no  doubt  but  all  the  information  concerning  the  value 
of  this  article  was  obtained  from  my  practice. 

After  Dr.  Cutler  had  given  his  testimony  of  the 
virtues  of  this  herb,  and  the  doctors  having  become 
convinced  of  its  value,  they  come  forward  and  say  it 
is  good  medicine  in  skillful  hands.  Who,  I  would  ask, 
is  more  skillful  than  he  who  discovered  it,  and  taught 
them  how  to  prepare  and  use  it  in  curing  one  of  the 
most  distressing  complaints  known?  If  it  is  a  good 
medicine,  it  is  mine,  and  I  am  entitled  to  the  credit  of 
introducing  it  into  use,  and  have  paid  dear  for  it ;  if  it 
is  poison,  the  doctors  do  not  need  it,  as  they  have 
enough  of  that  now.  Dr.  Thacher  undertakes  to  make 
it  appear  that  the  fatal  effects  he  tells  about  its  pro- 
ducing, were  owing  to  the  quantity  given ;  and  says  I 
administered  a  teaspoonful  of  the  powder;  and  when 
he  comes  to  give  directions  for  using  it,  says  that 
from  ten  to  twenty  grains  may  be  given  with  safety. 
It  appears  strange  that  different  terms  should  produce 
such  different  effects  in  the  operation  of  medicine.  If  a 
teaspoonful  is  given  by  an  Empiric,  its  effects  are  fatal; 
but  if  the  same  quantity  is  administered  by  a  so-called 
learned  doctor,  and  called  grains,  it  is  a  useful  medicine. 

This  herb  is  described  in  Thacher's  Dispensatory 
under  the  names  of  Lobelia  Inflata,  Lobelia  Emetica, 
Emetic  Weed,  and  Indian  Tobacco ;  and  several  other 
names  have  been  given  it,  some  by  way  of  ridicule, 
and  others  for  the  purpose  of  creating  a  prejudice 


86  THE  THOMSONIAN 

against  it;  all  of  which  has  so  confounded  it  with 
other  articles  that  there  is  a  difficulty  in  ascertaining 
what  they  mean  to  describe.  I  have  been  informed 
that  there  is  a  poisonous  root  grown  in  the  Southern 
States  called  Lobelia,  which  has  been  used  as  a  medi- 
cine ;  the  calling  this  herb  by  that  name  has  probably 
been  one  reason  of  its  being  thought  to  be  poison. 
Why  it  has  had  the  name  of  Indian  Tobacco  given  it, 
I  do  not  know ;  there  is  a  plant  that  is  called  by  that 
name,  which  grows  in  this  country,  but  it  is  entirely 
different  from  this  herb,  both  in  appearance  and  medi- 
cal virtues.  In  the  United  States  Pharmacopaeia, 
there  are  directions  given  for  preparing  the  tincture 
of  Indian  Tobacco;  whether  they  mean  this  herb  or 
the  plant  that  has  been  always  called  by  that  name, 
does  not  appear;  but  it  is  probable  they  mean  the 
Emetic  Herb,  and  that  all  the  knowledge  they  have  of 
it  is  from  Dr.  Cutler's  description.  It  is  said  by 
Thacher  that  it  was  employed  by  the  aborigines  and 
by  those  who  deal  in  Indian  remedies  ;  and  others  who 
are  attempting  to  rob  me  of  the  discovery  affect  to 
believe  the  same  thing ;  but  this  is  founded  altogether 
upon  conjecture,  for  they  cannot  produce  a  single 
instance  of  its  having  been  employed  as  a  medicine 
till  I  made  use  of  it.  The  fact  is,  it  is  a  new  article, 
wholly  unknown  to  the  medical  faculty  till  I  intro- 
duced it  into  use,  and  the  best  evidence  of  this  is  that 
they  are  now  ignorant  of  its  powers;  and  all  the 
knowledge  they  have  of  it  has  been  obtained  from  my 
practice.  It  would  be  folly  for  me  to  undertake  to  say 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  87 

but  that  it  may  have  been  used  by  the  natives  of  this 
country;  but  one  thing  I  am  certain  of,  that  I  never 
had  any  knowledge  of  their  using  it,  nor  ever  re- 
ceived any  information  concerning  it  from  them,  or 
anyone  else. 

The  Emetic  Herb  may  be  found  in  the  first  stages 
of  its  growth  at  all  times  through  the  summer,  from 
the  size  of  a  six-cent  piece  to  that  of  a  dollar,  and 
larger,  lying  flat  on  the  ground,  in  a  round  form,  like 
a  cose  pressed  flat,  in  order  to  bear  the  weight  of 
snow  which  lies  on  it  during  the  winter,  and  is  subject 
to  be  winter-killed,  like  wheat.  In  the  spring  it  looks 
yellow  and  pale,  like  other  things  suffering  from  wet 
and  cold;  but  when  the  returning  sun  spreads  forth 
its  enlivening  rays  upon  it,  it  lifts  up  its  leaves  and 
shoots  forth  a  stalk  to  the  height  of  from  twelve  to 
fifteen  inches  with  a  number  of  branches,  carrying  up 
its  leaves  with  its  growth.  In  July  it  puts  forth  small, 
pointed,  pale  blue  blossoms,  which  are  followed  by 
small  pods  about  the  size  of  a  white  bean,  containing 
numerous  very  small  seeds.  This  pod  is  an  exact  re- 
semblance of  the  human  stomach,  having  an  inlet  and 
outlet  higher  than  the  middle,  from  the  inlet  it  re- 
ceives nourishment,  and  by  the  outlet  discharges  the 
seeds.  It  comes  to  maturity  about  the  first  of  Sep- 
tember, when  the  leaves  and  pods  turn  a  little  yellow ; 
this  is  the  best  time  to  gather  it.  It  is  what  is  called 
by  botanists  a  biennial  plant,  or  of  only  two  years' 
existence. 

This  plant  is  common  in  all  parfs  of  this  country. 


88  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Wherever  the  land  is  fertile  enough  to  yield  support 
for  its  inhabitants  it  may  be  found.  It  is  confined  to 
no  soil  which  is  fit  for  cultivation,  from  the  highest 
mountains  to  the  lowest  valleys.  In  hot  and  wet 
seasons  it  is  most  plenty  on  dry  and  warm  lands ;  in 
hot  and  dry  seasons  on  clayey  and  heavy  lands.  When 
the  season  is  cold,  either  wet  or  dry,  it  rarely  makes 
its  appearance ;  and  if  the  summer  and  fall  are  very 
dry  the  seed  does  not  come  up,  and  there  will  be  very 
little  to  be  found  the  next  season.  I  have  been  in 
search  of  this  herb  from  Boston  to  Canada,  and  was 
not  able  to  collect  more  than  two  pounds;  and  in 
some  seasons  I  have  not  been  able  to  collect  any.  I 
mention  this  to  show  the  uncertainty  of  its  growth, 
and  to  put  the  herbalist  on  his  guard  to  be  careful  and 
lay  up  a  good  stock  of  it  when  plenty.  In  the  year 
1807,  if  I  had  offered  a  reward  of  one  thousand  dollars 
for  a  pound  of  this  herb,  I  should  not  have  been  able 
to  have  obtained  it.  I  have  seen  the  time  that  I  would 
have  given  two  dollars  for  an  ounce  of  the  powder, 
but  there  was  none  to  be  had ;  which  necessity  taught 
me  to  lay  up  all  I  could  obtain  when  it  was  plenty. 

In  seasons  when  this  herb  is  plenty,  it  may  be 
found  growing  in  highways  and  pastures ;  by  the  side 
of  old  turnpikes,  and  in  stubble  land,  particularly 
where  it  has  been  laid  down  in  grass  the  year  before ; 
when  grass  is  scarce  it  is  eaten  by  cattle,  and  is  hard 
to  be  found  when  full  grown.  It  is  a  wild  plant,  and  a 
native  of  this  country;  but  there  is  no  doubt  of  its 
being  common  to  'other  countries.  It  may  be  trans- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  89 

planted  and  cultivated  in  gardens,  and  will  be  much 
larger  and  more  vigorous  than  when  growing  wild. 
If  some  stalks  are  left,  it  will  sow  itself,  and  probably 
may  be  produced  from  the  seed;  but  how  long  the 
seeds  remain  in  the  ground  before  they  come  up,  I  do 
not  know,  never  having  made  any  experiments  to 
ascertain  the  fact.  It  is  certain  that  it  is  produced 
from  the  seed,  and  there  is  no  good  reason  to  suppose 
that  it  may  not  be  cultivated  in  gardens  from  the 
seeds  as  well  as  other  vegetables.  I  think  it  most 
probable,  however,  from  the  nature  of  the  plant,  that 
it  will  not  come  up  till  the  seeds  have  laid  at  least  one 
winter  in  the  ground. 

This  plant  is  different  in  one  very  important  par- 
ticular from  all  others  that  I  have  a  knowledge  of, 
that  the  same  quantity  will  produce  the  same  effect  in 
all  stages  of  its  growth,  from  its  first  appearance  till 
it  comes  to  maturity ;  but  the  best  time  for  gathering 
it,  as  has  before  been  mentioned,  is  when  the  leaves 
and  pods  begin  to  turn  yellow,  for  then  the  seed  is 
ripe,  and  you  have  all  there  can  be  of  it.  It  should 
then  be  cut  and  kept  clean,  and  spread  in  a  large 
chamber  or  loft  to  dry,  where  it  is  open  to  the  air  in 
the  day  time,  and  to  be  shut  from  the  damp  air  during 
the  night.  When  perfectly  dry,  shake  out  the  seed 
and  sift  it  through  a  common  meal  sieve,  and  preserve 
it  by  itself ;  then  beat  off  the  leaves  and  pods  from  the 
stalks  and  preserve  them  clean.  This  herb  may  be 
prepared  for  use  in  three  different  ways,  i.  e. :  ist. 
The  powdered  leaves  and  pods.  2d.  A  tincture  made 


90  THE  THOMSONIAN 

from  the  green  herb  with  spirit.  3d.  The  seeds  re- 
duced to  a  fine  powder  and  compounded  with  Nos.  2 
and  6. 

1.  After  the  leaves  and  pods  are  separated  from  the 
stalks,  pound   or  grind  them  in  a  mortar  to  fine 
powder,  sift  it  through  a  fine  sieve,  and  preserve  it 
from  the  air.    This  is  the  most  common  preparation, 
and  may  be  given  in  many  different  ways,  either  by 
itself  or   compounded   with   other   articles.      For   a 
common  dose,  take  a  teaspoonful  of  this  powder  with 
the  same  quantity  of  sugar  in  half  a  teacupful  of  warm 
water,  or  a  tea  of  No.  3  may  be  used  instead  of  water ; 
this  dose  may  be  taken  all  at  one  time,  or  at  three 
times  at  intervals  of  ten  minutes.    For  a  young  child, 
strain  off  the  liquor  and  give  a  part,  as  circumstances 
shall  require.     There  is  but  one  way  in  which  this 
herb  can  be  prepared  that  it  will  refuse  its  service, 
and  that  is  when  boiled  or  scalded ;  it  is  therefore  im- 
portant to  bear  in  mind  that  there  must  never  be 
anything  put  to  it  warmer  than  a  blood  heat. 

2.  To  prepare  the  tincture,  take  the  green  herb  in 
any  stage  of  its  growth ;  if  the  small  plants  are  used, 
take  roots  and  all ;  put  them  into  a  mortar  and  pound 
them  fine,  then  add  the  same  quantity  of  good  spirits ; 
when  well  pounded  and  worked  together,  strain  it 
through  a  fine  cloth,  and  squeeze  and  press  it  hard  to 
get  out  all  the  juice ;  save  the  liquor  in  bottles,  close 
stopped,  for  use.    Good  vinegar  or  pepper-sauce  may 
be  used  instead  of  the  spirits,  but  is  not  so  good.  Pre- 
pared in  this  manner,  it  is  an  effectual  counter-poison, 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  91 

either  taken  internally  or  applied  externally.  It  is 
also  an  excellent  medicine  for  the  asthma,  and  all 
complaints  of  the  lungs.  This  is  the  only  way  in 
which  the  doctors  have  made  use  of  the  Emetic  Herb ; 
and  they  acknowledge  it  to  be  one  of  the  best 
remedies  in  many  complaints  that  have  been  found, 
though  they  know  but  little  about  it.  For  a  dose, 
take  from  half  to  a  teaspoonful.  Its  effects  will  be 
more  certain  if  about  the  same  quantity  of  No.  2  is 
added,  and  in  all  cases  where  there  are  nervous 
symptoms,  add  half  a  teaspoonful  of  nerve  powder, 
Umbil,  to  the  dose. 

3.  Reduce  the  seeds  to  a  fine  powder  in  a  mortar, 
and  take  half  an  ounce  of  this  powder,  or  about  a 
large  spoonful,  with  the  same  quantity  of  No.  2  made 
fine,  and  put  them  in  a  gill  of  No.  6,  adding  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  Umbil;  to  be  kept  close  stopped  in  a 
bottle  for  use;  when  taken,  to  be  well  shaken  to- 
gether. This  preparation  is  for  the  most  violent  at- 
tacks of  disease,  such  as  lockjaw,  bite  of  mad  dog, 
drowned  persons,  fits,  spasms,  and  in  all  cases  of  sus- 
pended animation,  where  the  vital  spark  is  nearly 
extinct.  It  will  go  through  the  system  like  electricity, 
giving  heat  and  life  to  every  part.  In  cases  where  the 
spasms  are  so  violent  that  they  are  stiff,  and  the  jaws 
become  set,  by  pouring  some  of  this  liquid  into  the 
mouth  between  the  cheek  and  teeth,  as  soon  as  it 
touches  the  glands  at  the  roots  of  the  tongue  the 
spasms  will  relax,  and  the  jaws  will  become  loosened 
so  that  the  mouth  will  open;  then  give  a  dose  of  it, 


92  THE  THOMSONIAN 

and  as  soon  as  the  spasms  have  abated,  repeat  it,  and 
afterwards  give  a  tea  of  No.  3,  for  canker.  This 
course  I  never  knew  to  fail  of  giving  relief.  It  is  good 
in  less  violent  cases,  to  bring  out  the  measles  and 
smallpox,  and  if  applied  to  pimples,  warts,  etc.,  will 
remove  them.  I  have  cured  three  dogs  with  this 
preparation,  who  were  under  the  most  violent  symp- 
toms of  hydrophobia ;  one  of  my  agents  cured  a  man 
with  it  who  had  been  bitten  by  a  mad  dog;  and  I 
have  not  the  least  doubt  of  its  being  a  specific  for 
that  disease.  For  a  dose,  take  a  teaspoonful. — Dr. 
Thomson. 

Would  it  not  be  better  to  establish  institutes  to 
give  this  treatment  to  those  bitten  by  mad  dogs  than 
to  take  the  deadly  Pasteur  treatment,  which  in  itself 
gives  the  disease  and  never  cures?  It  would,  but  so 
long  as  the  Serum-fad  craze  lasts  no  common  sense 
means  will  be  followed.  The  people  are  as  anxious 
to  swallow  any  new  fads,  no  matter  how  deadly,  as  a 
bird  seizes  upon  a  worm.  Lockjaw  has  been  cured 
time  and  again  by  this  preparation  but  the  news- 
papers never  say  a  word  about  it.  On  the  other  hand, 
if  one  patient  out  of  a  hundred  recovers  of  those  on 
whom  the  deadly  and  costly  serum  is  used  the  news- 
papers make  a  great  row  about  it.  Such  is  the  sterile 
and  impotent  age.  Sooner  or  later,  the  people  will 
awake  to  a  truer  science  and  many  changes,  for  the 
better,  will  then  take  place. 

Much  has  been  said  of  the  power  of  the  Emetic 
Herb,  and  some  have  expressed  fears  of  it  on  that 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  93 

account ;  but  I  can  assure  the  public  that  there  is  not 
the  least  danger  in  using  it;  I  have  given  it  to 
children  from  one  day  old  to  persons  of  eighty  years. 
It  is  most  powerful  in  removing  disease,  but  innocent 
in  nature.  Its  operation  in  different  persons  is  ac- 
cording to  their  different  tempers,  moving  with  the 
natural  current  of  the  animal  spirits.  There  are  two 
cases  where  this  medicine  will  not  operate,  viz :  when 
the  patient  is  dying,  and  where  there  is  no  death ;  or 
in -other  words,  where  there  is  no  disease.  There  can 
be  no  war  where  there  is  no  enemy.  When  there  is 
no  cold  in  the  body  there  is  nothing  to  contend 
against,  and  when  there  is  no  heat  in  the  body  there 
is  nothing  to  kindle;  in  either  case,  therefore,  this 
medicine  is  silent  and  harmless.  It  is  calculated  to 
remove  the  cause  and  no  more,  as  food  removes 
hunger,  and  drink  thirst.  It  clears  all  obstructions  to 
the  extremities,  without  regard  to  names  of  disease, 
until  it  produces  an  equilibrium  in  the  system,  and  will 
be  felt  in  the  fingers  and  toes,  producing  a  prickling 
feeling  like  that  caused  by  a  knock  of  the  elbow ;  this 
symptom  is  alarming  to  those  unacquainted  with  its 
operation;  but  is  always  favorable,  being  a  certain 
indication  of  the  turn  of  the  disorder,  and  they  gener- 
ally gain  from  that  time. 

In  regard  to  the  quantity  to  be  given  as  a  dose,  it  is 
a  matter  of  less  consequence  than  is  generally  im- 
agined. The  most  important  thing  is  to  give  enough 
to  produce  the  desired  effect.  If  too  little  is  given, 
it  will  worry  the  patient,  and  do  little  good;  if  more 


94  THE  THOMSONIAN 

is  given  than  what  is  necessary,  the  surplus  will  be 
thrown  off,  and  is  a  waste  of  medicine.  I  have  given 
directions  what  I  consider  as  a  proper  dose  in  com- 
mon cases  of  the  different  preparations,  but  still  it 
must  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  those  who  use  it  how 
much  to  give.  The  most  safe  way  will  be  to  give  the 
smallest  prescribed  dose  first,  then  repeat  it  till  it 
produces  the  wished-for  operation.  In  cases  where 
the  stomach  is  cold  and  very  foul,  its  operation  will  be 
slow  and  uncertain;  in  which  case  give  No.  2,  which 
will  assist  it  in  doing  its  work. 

When  this  medicine  is  given  to  patients  that  are  in 
a  decline,  or  are  laboring  under  a  disease  of  long 
standing,  the  symptoms  indicating  a  crisis  will  not 
take  place  till  they  have  been  carried  through  from 
three  to  eight  courses  of  medicine;  and  the  lower 
they  have  been  the  more  alarming  will  be  the  symp- 
toms. I  have  seen  some  who  would  lie  and  sob  like  a 
child  who  had  been  punished,  for  two  hours,  not  able 
to  speak  or  to  raise  their  hands  to  their  head ;  and  the 
next  day  be  about,  and  soon  get  well.  In  cases  where 
they  have  taken  considerable  opium,  and  this  medi- 
cine is  administered,  it  will,  in  its  operation,  produce 
the  same  appearances  and  symptoms  that  are  pro- 
duced by  opium  when  first  given,  which,  having  laid 
dormant,  is  roused  into  action  by  the  enlivening 
qualities  of  this  medicine,  and  they  will  be  thrown  into 
a  senseless  state ;  the  whole  system  will  be  one  com- 
plete mass  of  confusion,  tumbling  in  every  direction ; 
will  take  two  or  three  to  hold  them  in  bed ;  they  grow 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  95 

cold  as  though  dying,  remaining  in  this  way  from  two 
to  eight  hours,  and  then  awake,  like  one  from  sleep 
after  a  good  night's  rest,  be  entirely  calm  and  sensible, 
as  though  nothing  had  ailed  them.  It  is  seldom  they 
ever  have  more  than  one  of  these  turns,  as  it  is  the 
last  struggle  of  the  disease,  and  they  generally  begin 
to  recover  from  that  time.  I  have  been  more  par- 
ticular in  describing  these  effects  of  the  medicine,  as 
they  are  very  alarming  to  those  unacquainted  with 
them,  in  order  to  show  that  there  is  no  danger  to  be 
apprehended,  as  it  is  certain  evidence  of  a  favorable 
turn  of  the  disease. 

The  Emetic  Herb  is  of  great  value  in  preventing 
disease  as  well  as  curing  it.  By  taking  a  dose  when 
first  attacked  by  any  complaint  it  will  throw  it  off,  and 
frequently  prevent  long  sickness.  It  not  only  acts  as 
an  emetic,  and  throws  off  the  stomach  everything 
that  nature  does  not  require  for  support  of  the 
system,  but  extends  its  effects  to  every  part  of  the 
body.  It  is  searching,  enlivening,  quickening,  and  has 
a  great  power  in  removing  all  obstructions;  but  it 
soon  exhausts  itself,  and  if  not  followed  by  some 
other  medicine  to  hold  the  vital  heat  till  nature  is  able 
to  support  itself  by  digesting  the  food,  it  will  not  be 
sufficient  to  remove  a  disease  that  has  become  seated. 
To  effect  this  important  object  put  me  to  much 
trouble,  and  after  trying  many  experiments  to  get 
something  that  would  answer  the  purpose,  I  found 
that  what  is  described  under  No.  2  was  the  best  and 
only  medicine  that  would  hold  the  heat  in  the  stomach 


%  THE  THOMSONIAN 

and  not  evaporate;  and  by  giving  the  Capsicum  to 
remove  the  canker,  which  is  the  great  cause  of 
disease,  and  then  followed  with  Nos.  4  and  5  to  cor- 
rect the  bile,  restore  the  digestion,  and  strengthen 
the  system.  I  have  had  little  trouble  in  effecting  a 
cure.  The  dose  of  the  standard  Fluid  Extract  or 
Tincture  of  Lobelia  is  from  I  to  5  minims.  Can  be 
repeated  every  ten  minutes  until  effects. 

CAYENN  E. — Capsicum. 
(According  to  Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  artice  being  so  well  known,  it  will  be  unneces- 
sary to  be  very  particular  in  describing  it.  It  has 
been  a  long  time  used  by  being  ground  to  powder, 
and  a  proportion  of  salt  mixed  with  it ;  this  destroys  in 
some  degree  its  stimulating  effects  and  makes  it  less 
pungent ;  but  it  is  not  so  good  for  medicine  as  in  the 
pure  state.  It  is  said  to  be  a  native  of  South  America, 
and  is  cultivated  in  many  of  the  West  Indies.  That 
which  comes  to  this  country  is  brought  from  De- 
merara  and  Jamaica.  It  also  grows  in  other  parts  of 
the  world.  There  are  several  species  that  are  de- 
scribed under  the  name  of  Capsicum,  all  of  which  are 
about  the  same  as  to  their  stimulating  qualities.  The 
pods  only  are  used ;  they  are  long  and  pointed,  are  of 
a  green  color  till  ripe,  when  they  turn  of  a  bright 
orange-red.  When  the  pods  are  green  they  are 
gathered  and  preserved  in  salt  and  water  and  brought 
to  this  country  in  bottles,  when  vinegar  is  put  on 
them,  which  is  sold  under  the  name  of  pepper-sauce. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  97 

The  ripe  pods  ground  to  a  powder  are  what  is  used 
for  medicine  and  cooking. 

I  shall  not  undertake  to  dispute  but  that  cayenne 
has  been  used  for  medical  purposes  long  before  I  had 
any  knowedge  of  it,  and  that  it  is  one  of  the  safest 
and  best  articles  ever  discovered  to  remove  disease,  I 
know  to  be  a  fact,  from  long  experience;  but  it  is 
equally  true  that  the  medical  faculty  never  considered 
it  of  much  value,  and  the  people  had  no  knowledge  of 
it  as  a  medicine  till  I  introduced  it,  by  making  use  of 
it  in  my  practice.  Mention  is  made  of  Cayenne  in  the 
Edinburg  Dispensatory,  as  chiefly  employed  for  culi- 
nary purpose,  but  that  of  late  it  has  been  employed 
also  in  the  practice  of  medicine.  The  author  says  that 
"there  can  be  little  doubt  that  it  furnishes  one  of  the 
purest  and  strongest  stimulants  which  can  be  intro- 
duced into  the  stomach ;  while  at  the  same  time  it  has 
nothing  of  the  narcotic  effects  of  ardent  spirits.  It  is 
said  to  have  been  used  with  success  in  curing  some 
cases  of  disease  that  had  resisted  all  other  remedies." 
All  this  I  am  satisfied  is  true,  for  if  given  as  a  medi- 
cine it  always  will  be  found  useful;  but  all  the 
knowledge  they  had  of  it  seems  to  have  been  derived 
from  a  few  experiments  that  had  been  made,  without 
fixing  upon  any  particular  manner  of  preparing  or 
administering  it,  or  in  what  disease,  as  is  the  case 
with  all  other  articles  that  are  introduced  into  general 
practice.  In  Thachers  Dispensatory,  the  same  ac- 
count is  given  of  Cayenne  as  in  the  Edinburgh,  and  in 
almost  the  same  words. 


98  THE  THOMSONIAN 

I  never  had  any  knowledge  of  Cayenne  being  useful 
as  a  medicine,  or  that  it  had  ever  been  used  as  such, 
till  I  discovered  it  by  accident,  as  has  been  the  case 
with  most  other  articles  used  by  me.  After  I  had 
fixed  upon  a  system  for  my  government  in  practice,  I 
found  much  difficulty  in  getting  something  that  would 
not  only  produce  a  strong  heat  in  the  body,  but  would 
retain  it  till  the  canker  could  be  removed  and  the 
digestive  powers  restored,  so  that  the  food,  by  being 
properly  digested,  would  maintain  the  natural  heat. 
I  tried  a  great  number  of  articles  that  were  of  a  hot 
nature,  but  could  find  nothing  that  would  hold  the 
heat  any  length  of  time.  I  made  use  of  ginger, 
mustard,  horseradish,  peppermint,  butternut  bark, 
and  many  other  hot  medicines,  but  they  were  all  more 
or  less  volatile,  and  would  not  have  the  desired  effect. 
With  these,  however,  and  the  Emetic  Herb,  together 
with  the  aid  of  steam,  I  was  enabled  to  practice  with 
pretty  general  success.  In  the  fall  of  the  year  1805,  I 
was  out  in  search  of  Umbil  on  a  mountain  in  Walpole, 
N.  H.  I  went  into  a  house  at  the  foot  of  the  moun- 
tain to  inquire  for  some  rattlesnake  oil.  While  in  the 
house  I  saw  a  large  string  of  red  peppers  hanging  in 
the  room,  which  put  me  in  mind  of  what  I  had  been  a 
long  time  in  search  of  to  retain  the  internal  heat.  I 
knew  them  to  be  very  hot,  but  did  not  know  of  what 
nature.  I  obtained  these  peppers,  carried  them  home, 
reduced  them  to  powder,  and  took  some  of  the 
powder  myself,  and  found  it  to  answer  the  purpose 
better  than  anything  else  I  had  made  use  of.  I  put  it 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  99 

in  spirit  with  the  Emetic  Herb,  and  gave  the  tincture 
mixed  in  a  tea  of  witch-hazel  leaves,  and  found  that  it 
would  retain  the  heat  in  the  stomach  after  puking, 
and  preserve  the  strength  of  the  patient  in  proportion. 
I  made  use  of  it  in  different  ways  for  two  years,  and 
always  with  good  success. 

In  the  fall  of  1808,  I  was  in  Newburyport,  and  saw 
a  bottle  of  pepper-sauce,  being  the  first  that  I  had 
ever  seen.  I  bought  it  and  carried  it  home ;  got  some 
kind  of  pepper  that  was  dried,  which  I  put  into  the 
bottle ;  this  made  it  very  hot.  On  my  way  home,  was 
taken  unwell,  and  was  quite  cold.  I  took  a  swallow 
from  the  bottle,  which  caused  violent  pain  for  a  few 
minutes,  when  it  produced  perspiration,  and  I  soon 
grew  easy.  I  afterwards  tried  it  and  found  that  after 
it  had  expelled  the  cold,  it  would  not  cause  pain. 
From  these  experiments  I  became  convinced  that  this 
kind  of  pepper  was  much  stronger,  and  would  be 
better  for  medical  use  than  the  common  red  pepper. 
Soon  after  this  I  was  again  in  Newburyport,  and 
made  inquiry,  and  found  some  cayenne,  but  it  was 
prepared  with  salt  for  table  use,  which  injured  it  for 
medical  purposes.  I  tried  it  by  tasting,  and  selected 
that  which  had  the  least  salt  in  it.  I  afterwards  made 
use  of  this  article  and  found  it  to  answer  all  the 
purposes  wished,  and  was  the  very  thing  I  had  long 
been  in  search  of.  The  next  year  I  went  to  Ports- 
mouth, and  made  inquiries  concerning  cayenne,  and 
from  those  who  dealt  in  the  article,  I  learned  that  it 
was  brought  to  this  country  from  Demerara  and 


100  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Jamaica,  prepared  only  for  table  use,  and  that  salt  was 
put  with  it  to  preserve  it  and  make  it  more  palatable. 
I  became  acquainted  with  a  French  gentleman  who 
had  a  brother  in  Demerara,  and  made  arrangements 
with  him  to  send  to  his  brother  and  request  him  to 
procure  some,  and  have  it  prepared  without  salt.  He 
did  so,  and  sent  out  a  box  containing  about  eighty 
pounds  in  a  pure  state.  I  sent  also  by  many  others 
that  were  going  to  the  places  where  it  grows  to  pro- 
cure all  they  could;  in  consequence  of  which  large 
quantities  were  imported  into  Portsmouth,  much 
more  than  there  was  immediate  demand  for.  I  was 
not  able  to  purchase  but  a  small  part  of  what  was 
brought,  and  it  was  bought  up  by  others  on  specula- 
tion, and  sent  to  Boston.  The  consequence  was  that 
the  price  was  so  much  reduced  that  it  would  not  bring 
first  cost,  which  put  a  stop  to  its  being  imported,  and 
it  has  been  very  scarce. 

When  I  first  began  to  use  this  article  it  caused 
much  talk  among  the  people  in  Portsmouth  and  the 
adjoining  towns.  The  doctors  tried  to  frighten  them 
by  telling  that  I  made  use  of  cayenne  pepper  as  a 
medicine,  and  that  it  would  burn  up  the  stomach  and 
lungs  as  bad  as  vitriol.  The  people  generally,  how- 
ever, became  convinced  by  using  it  that  all  the  doctors 
said  about  it  was  false,  and  it  only  proved  their  ig- 
norance of  its  medicinal  virtues  and  their  malignity 
towards  me.  It  soon  came  into  general  use,  and  the 
knowledge  of  its  being  useful  in  curing  disease  was 
spread  all  through  the  country.  I  made  use  of  it  in 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  101 

curing  the  spotted  fever,  and  where  it  was  known,  it 
was  the  only  thing  depended  on  for  that  disease.  I 
have  made  use  of  cayenne  in  all  kinds  of  disease,  and 
have  given  it  to  patients  of  all  ages  and  under  every 
circumstance  that  has  come  under  my  practice,  and 
can  assure  the  public  that  it  is  perfectly  harmless, 
never  having  known  it  to  produce  any  bad  effects 
whatever.  It  is  no  doubt  the  most  powerful  stimulant 
known;  its  power  is  entirely  congenial  to  nature, 
being  powerful  only  in  raising  and  maintaining  that 
heat  on  which  life  depends.  It  is  extremely  pungent 
and  when  taken  sets  the  mouth  as  it  were  on  fire ;  this 
lasts,  however,  but  a  few  minutes,  and  I  consider  it 
essentially  a  benefit,  for  its  effects  on  the  glands 
causes  the  saliva  to  flow  freely  and  leaves  the  mouth 
clean  and  moist. 

The  only  preparation  necessary  is  to  have  it  ground 
or  pounded  to  a  fine  powder.  For  a  dose,  from  half 
to  a  teaspoonful  may  be  taken  in  hot  water, 
sweetened,  or  the  same  quantity  may  be  mixed  with 
either  of  the  other  numbers  when  taken.  It  will 
produce  a  free  perspiration,  which  should  be  kept  up 
by  repeating  the  dose  until  the  disease  is  removed.  A 
spoonful,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  common  salt,  put 
into  a  gill  of  vinegar,  makes  a  very  good  sauce  to  be 
eaten  with  meat,  and  will  assist  the  appetite  and 
strengthen  the  digestion.  One  spoonful  of  this  prep- 
aration may  be  taken  to  good  advantage,  and  will 
remove  faint,  sinking  feelings,  which  some  are  subject 
to,  especially  in  the  spring  of  the  year.  Pepper-sauce 


:a 


102  THE  THOMSONIAN 

is  good  for  the  same  purpose.  A  teaspoonful  of 
cayenne  pepper  may  be  taken  in  a  tumbler  of  cider, 
and  is  much  better  than  ardent  spirits.  There  is 
scarce  any  preparation  of  medicine  that  I  make  use 
of  in  which  I  do  not  put  some  of  this  article.  It  will 
cure  the  ague  in  the  face,  by  taking  a  dose,  and  tying 
a  small  quantity  in  a  fine  cloth,  and  put  it  between  the 
cheek  and  the  teeth,  on  the  side  that  is  affected,  sitting 
by  the  fire,  covered  with  a  blanket. 

This  is  the  history  of  this  most  valuable  medicine 
and  is  given  in  Dr.  Thomson's  own  language  so  as  to 
take  nothing  from  it.  This  medicine  is  no  longer 
given  in  this  form  but  is  now  given  only  in  the 
purified  tablet  form.  Dose  from  one  to  ten  minims. 

CAPSICUM.    (GREER.) 

Capsicum  is  the  most  pronounced  stimulant  of  the 
materia  medica,  and  it  cannot  be  equalled  for  use 
when  powerful  and  prolonged  stimulation  is  needed, 
as  in  congestive  chills,  heart  failure,  etc.  The  whole 
circulation  is  affected  by  the  agent,  and  it  can  be 
used  externally  as  well  as  internally.  Liniments  for 
neuralgia,  sciatica,  paralysis,  etc.,  should  contain 
Capsicum.  And  in  chronic,  sluggish  conditions  a 
small  amount  may  be  added  to  other  kinds  of  medica- 
tion. In  congested,  ulcerated  or  infectious  sore 
throat  it  is  most  excellent,  especially  combined  with 
myrrh.  It  is  antiseptic  in  character  and  a  most  suit- 
able gargle  in  diphtheria.  Given  internally  it  will 
check  uterine  hemmorrhages.  One  grain  is  con- 
sidered a  full  dose,  except  for  rare  cases,  as  in  con- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  103 

gestive  chills.  Ten  grains  to  a  pint  of  boiling  water 
will  make  an  ordinary  infusion.  Capsicum  plasters 
are  valuable  for  pneumonia  and  other  conditions,  but 
should  not  be  allowed  to  remain  over  an  hour  on  the 
parts. 

The  best  way  to  give  Capsicum  is  to  have  the  tab- 
lets and  drink  down  with  fairly  hot  water.  In  this  way 
the  patient  does  not  get  the  taste  of  them.  In  my 
practice  I  use  the  sugar-coated  one-grain  tablet. 

GINGER. — ZINGIBER. 

This  universal  agent  is  a  most  pleasant  diffusive 
stimulant,  and  is  excellent  for  chilliness,  new  colds, 
colic  and  disturbances  of  the  circulation.  It  quickly 
sends  the  blood  to  the  surface,  and  its  prompt  use 
may  avert  a  spell  of  pneumonia  or  other  serious 
malady.  It  is  best  given  in  infusion  with  No.  3.  A 
pleasant  way  of  preparing  it  is  to  mix  thoroughly  half 
a  teaspoonful  of  pulverized  ginger  and  a  teaspoonful 
of  sugar  and  pour  upon  it  a  cup  of  boiling  water  and 
add  a  little  cream.  The  tincture  of  ginger  is  readily 
procured  and  is  an  excellent  form  of  ginger  to  keep  on 
hand  for  emergencies.  In  Pneumonia  and  Pleurisy,  I 
use  part  tincture  of  Ginger  and  equal  amount  of 
Pleurisy  root.  This  has  never  failed  me  in  a  single 
case  although  physicians  loose  fifty  per  cent,  of  their 
patients  as  a  rule.  The  external  application  of  the 
tincture  of  ginger  over  the  abdomen  often  gives  relief 
in  colic.  Syrup  of  ginger  is  made  by  adding  six 
drachms  of  the  tincture  to  a  pint  of  simple  syrup  ;  it  is 


104  THE  THOMSONIAN 

a  good  basis  for  many  preparations.    The  Tinct.  of 
Jamaica  Zingiber  is  the  preparation  used  in  medicine. 

BAYBERRY. — Myrica  Cerifera. 

This  is  a  species  of  the  myrtle,  from  which  wax  is 
obtained  from  the  berries,  and  grows  common  in 
many  parts  of  this  country.  It  is  a  shrub  growing 
from  two  to  four  feet  high,  and  is  easily  known  by  the 
berries  which  it  produces  annually,  containing  wax  in 
abundance.  These  grow  on  the  branches  close  to 
them  similar  to  the  juniper.  The  leaves  are  of  a 
deep  green.  The  bark  of  the  roots  is  what  is  used  for 
medicine,  and  should  be  collected  in  the  spring,  be- 
fore it  puts  forth  its  leaves,  or  in  the  fall,  after  done 
growing,  as  then  the  sap  is  in  the  roots ;  this  should 
be  attended  to  in  gathering  all  kinds  of  medicinal 
roots;  but  those  things  that  the  tops  are  used  should 
be  collected  in  the  summer  when  nearly  full  grown,  as 
then  the  sap  is  on  the  top.  The  roots  should  be  dug 
and  cleaned  from  the  dirt,  and  pounded  with  a  mallet 
or  club,  when  the  bark  is  easily  separated  from  the 
stalk,  and  may  be  obtained  with  little  trouble.  It 
should  be  dried  in  a  chamber  or  loft,  where  it  is  not 
exposed  to  the  weather;  and,  when  perfectly  dry, 
should  be  ground  or  pounded  to  a  fine  powder.  It  is 
an  excellent  medicine,  either  taken  by  itself  or  com- 
pounded with  other  articles ;  and  is  the  best  thing  for 
canker  of  any  article  to  be  found. 

In  scrofulous  diarrhoea  and  chronic  cholera  in- 
fantum  and  goitre  it  is  one  of  the  best  agents. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  105 

Its  influence  on  the  uterus  is  very  positive.  In  pro- 
lapsus uteri  it  is  splendid,  and  in  parturition  it  cannot 
be  well  excelled.  It  induces  better  contractions  and 
when  given  near  the  end  of  the  confinement  it  will 
anticipate  flooding,  and  should  there  be  excessive 
lochia  it  will  assist  in  stopping  the  excess.  Its  in- 
fluence is  also  good  in  excessive  menstruation  or 
hemorrhages  from  other  parts  of  the  body  and  in 
female  weakness. 

In  hot  infusion  it  gradually  arouses  the  circulation 
and  favors  an  outward  flow  of  blood.  A  good  free 
perspiration  will  follow,  which  will  be  more  abundant 
if  Zingiber  be  added.  When  the  stomach  is  very  foul, 
it  will  frequently  operate  as  an  emetic. 

In  connection  with  lobelia  it  is  used  in  producing 
emesis,  which  will  be  very  valuable  in  the  treatment  of 
the  conditions  found  in  mercurial  cachexia,  scrofula 
and  secondary  syphilis.  For  emetic  purposes  it 
should  be  given  with  lobelia  in  hot  infusion  and  is 
excellent  to  rid  the  system  of  impurities. 

The  dose  of  the  Fluid  Ext.  or  Tincture  is  from  one- 
half  to  one  drachm. 

WHITE  POND  LILY. — THE  ROOT. 

Nymphaea  Odorata.    Castalia  Odorata. 

This  is  well  known  from  the  beautiful  flower  which 
it  bears,  opening  only  to  the  sun,  and  closing  again  at 
night.  It  grows  in  fresh-water  ponds,  and  is  common 
in  all  parts  of  this  country  where  I  have  been.  The 
best  time  to  gather  it  is  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  when 


106  THE  THOMSONIAN 

dry,  and  the  water  ponds  low,  as  it  may  then  be 
obtained  with  little  difficulty.  It  has  large  roots, 
which  should  be  dug,  washed  clean,  split  into  strips, 
and  dried,  as  has  been  directed  for  the  others.  When 
perfectly  dry,  it  should  be  pounded  in  a  mortar,  and 
preserved  for  use.  This  article  is  a  very  good  medi- 
cine for  canker,  and  all  complaints  of  the  bowels, 
given  in  a  tea  alone,  or  mixed  with  other  medicine. 

Locally  for  leucorrhoea  it  has  few  superiors,  as  also 
for  prolapsus  uteri,  ulceration  of  the  cervix,  relaxed 
vagina. 

It  also  forms  a  good  wash  for  sore  mouth  and  for 
scrofulous  sores,  and  also  as  a  wash  for  purulent 
ophthalmia. 

Dose  of  Tincture  is  from  one-half  to  one  drachm. 

HEMLOCK. — Canadensis.     INNER  BARK. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  is  the  common  hemlock  tree,  and  grows  in  all 
parts  of  New  England.  The  best  medicine  is  to  peel 
the  bark  from  the  young  tree,  and  shave  the  ross  from 
the  outside,  and  preserve  only  the  inner  bark;  dry  it 
carefully,  and  pound  or  grind  the  rind  to  a  powder.  A 
tea  madeby  putting  boiling  water  to  this  bark  is  a  good 
medicine  for  canker,  and  many  other  complaints.  The 
first  of  my  using  hemlock  bark  as  medicine  was  in 
1814.  Being  in  want  of  something  for  canker,  I 
tried  some  of  it  by  chewing,  and  found  it  to  answer, 
and  made  use  of  it  to  good  advantage.  Since  then, 
have  made  constant  use  of  it,  and  have  always  found 


S  YSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  107 

it  a  very  good  medicine,  both  for  canker  and  other 
complaints  of  the  bowels  and  stomach.  A  tea  made 
of  this  bark  is  very  good,  and  may  be  used  freely ;  it 
is  good  to  give  the  emetic  and  No.  2  in,  and  may  be 
used  for  drink  in  all  cases  of  sickness,  especially  when 
going  through  a  course  of  medicine  and  steaming. 
This,  with  bayberry  bark  and  the  lily  root,  forms  No. 
3,  or  what  has  been  commonly  called  coffee,  though 
many  other  things  may  be  added,  or  either  of  them  be 
used  to  advantage  alone.  The  boughs,  made  into  a 
tea,  are  very  good  for  gravel  and  other  obstructions 
of  the  urinary  passages,  and  for  rheumatism. 

The  dose  of  the  Fluid  Ext.  or  Tincture  is  from  15 
to  60  minims.  One  of  the  finest  preparations  made  is 
Pinus  Canadensis,  made  by  the  Rio  Chemical  Com- 
pany of  New  York  City.  It  is  uniform  in  strength 
and  gives  entire  satisfaction. 

MARSH  ROSEMARY. — Statice  Caroliniana. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  article  is  very  well  known  in  all  parts  of  this 
country,  and  has  been  made  use  of  for  canker  and 
sore  mouth.  I  have  made  use  of  it  with  bayberry 
bark  as  No.  3  in  my  practice  for  many  years  with 
good  success ;  but  after  finding  that  the  lily  root  and 
hemlock  bark  were  better,  have  mostly  laid  it  aside. 
It  is  so  binding  in  its  nature  that  it  is  not  safe  to  use 
in  without  a  large  proportion  of  bayberry  bark. 

The  root  is  a  positive  astringent,  useful  in  acute 
and  chronic  diarrhoea  and  that  resulting  in  typhoid 


108  THE  THOMSONIAN 

fever.    It  is  also  valuable  in  hemorrhages  from  what- 
ever locality,  and  whether  internal  or  superficial. 

It  is  well  to  have  such  a  remedy  on  hand  to  use  in 
case  of  necessity  as  it  can  be  depended  upon  in  those 
cases  where  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  stop  the 
drain  on  the  system  caused  by  either  acute  diarrhoea 
or  hemorrhages. 

SUMACH. — Rhus  Glabra. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  appears  to  be  a  new  article  in  medicine,  en- 
tirely unknown  to  the  medical  faculty,  as  no  mention 
is  made  of  it  by  any  author.  The  first  of  my  knowl- 
edge that  it  was  good  for  canker  was  when  at  Onion 
River,  in  1807,  attending  the  dysentery.  Being  in 
want  of  something  to  clear  the  stomach  and  bowels  in 
that  complaint,  found  that  the  bark,  leaves  or  berries 
answered  the  purpose  extremely  well,  and  have  made 
much  use  of  it  ever  since.  It  is  well  known,  and  is 
found  in  all  parts  of  the  country;  some  of  it  grows 
from  eight  to  twelve  feet  high,  and  has  large  spread- 
ing branches ;  the  berries  grow  in  large  bunches,  and 
when  ripe  are  a  deep  red  color,  of  a  pleasant  sour 
taste  ;  and  are  used  by  the  country  people  to  dye  with. 
The  leaves  and  young  sprouts  are  made  use  of  in 
tanning  morocco  leather.  For  medicine,  the  bark 
should  be  peeled  when  full  of  sap,  the  leaves  when  full 
grown,  and  the  berries  when  ripe;  they  should  be 
carefully  dried,  and  when  used  as  part  of  No.  3  should 
be  pounded,  and  may  be  used  altogether,  or  either 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  109 

separate.  A  tea  made  of  either  or  altogether  is  very 
good,  and  may  be  given  with  safety  in  almost  all 
complaints,  or  put  into  the  injection.  It  will  scour 
the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  is  good  for  strangury, 
as  it  promotes  urine  and  relieves  difficulties  in  the 
kidneys  by  removing  obstructions  and  strengthening 
those  parts.  I  have  been  in  the  habit  of  late  years  of 
making  use  of  this  article  with  bayberry  bark  and  lily 
root,  or  hemlock  bark,  equal  parts,  for  No.  3,  and  it 
has,  always  answered  a  good  purpose. 

The  leaves  are  the  least  astringent,  but  are  valuable 
in  dysentery  and  hemorrhages  of  lungs  or  uterus. 

The  bark  is  more  stimulating,  astringing  and 
toning,  and  is  valuable  for  leucorrhoea,  inflammation 
of  the  bladder,  and  for  rectal  troubles,  chronic  diar- 
rhoea and  rectal  hemorrhages. 

The  berries  are  a  pleasant  acid  astringent.  Fill  a 
vessel  full  of  berries,  cover  with  boiling  water  and 
steep  a  half-hour.  Then  strain  and  sweeten  to  suit 
taste.  This  is  a  good  beverage  to  allay  irritation  of 
the  bladder  and  in  the  treatment  of  diabetes  and  for 
the  relief  of  bloody  urine. 

WITCH-HAZEL. — Hamamelis  Virginica. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

I  found  the  use  of  this  article  as  medicine  when  I 
was  quite  young,  and  have  made  much  use  of  it  in  all 
my  practice.  It  is  too  well  known  in  the  country  to 
need  any  description;  is  a  small  tree  or  bush,  and 
grows  very  common,  especially  in  new  lands.  A  tea 


110  THE  THOMSONIAN 

made  of  the  leaves  is  an  excellent  medicine  in  many 
complaints,  and  may  be  freely  used  to  advantage.  It 
is  the  best  thing  for  bleeding  at  the  stomach  of  any 
article  I  have  ever  found,  either  by  giving  the  tea 
made  of  the  dry  leaves,  or  chewing  them  when  green ; 
have  cured  several  with  it.  This  complaint  is  caused 
by  canker  eating  off  the  small  blood  vessels,  and  this 
medicine  will  remove  the  canker  and  stop  the  bleed- 
ing. I  have  made  much  use  of  the  tea,  made  strong 
for  injection,  and  found  it  in  all  complaints  of  the 
bowels  to  be  very  serviceable.  An  injection  made  of 
this  tea,  with  a  little  of  No.  2,  is  good  for  the  piles, 
and  many  complaints  common  to  females ;  and  in 
bearing-down  pains  it  will  afford  immediate  relief,  if 
properly  administered.  These  leaves  may  be  used  in 
No.  3  to  good  advantage,  as  a  substitute  for  either  of 
the  other  articles,  or  alone  for  the  same  purpose. 

The  leaves  and  twigs  are  a  pleasant,  reliable,  mild, 
soothing,  diffusive,  stimulating,  astringent  tonic.  It 
chiefly  influences  the  mucous  membrane. 

Locally  it  is  used  in  gonorrhoea,  and  in  gleet.  The 
distilled,  non-alcoholic  extract  is  the  best  for  this 
purpose.  In  the  treatment  of  gonorrhoea  it  gives  the 
best  of  results  and  no  urethral  contractions  follow 
its  use.  In  leucorrhoea  it  stimulates  and  tones  the 
uterus  and  vagina. 

In  dysentery  and  diarrhoea  it  may  be  used  alone  or 
in  conjunction  with  other  remedies  as  per  Dr.  Thom- 
son's instructions. 

It  is  a  very  good  remedy  in  hemorrhages,  either 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  111 

rectal,  cystic  or  uterine. 

It  is  valuable  in  the  treatment  of  catarrh  in  any  part 
of  the  system,  whether  vaginal  or  nasal.  To  the  nose 
it  can  be  applied  with  Nebulizer  or  anatomizer  and  to 
the  womb  on  cotton. 

It  is  of  use  in  the  treatment  of  prolapsus  ani  and  in 
rectal  hemorrhages.  Is  of  use  in  sore  eyes  as  a  wash 
as  it  has  no  bad  effect  on  the  eyes. 

This  remedy  is  indicated  in  all  sores  or  bleeding 
surfaces,  no  matter  what  their  nature  may  be.  By 
bearing  this  in  mind,  the  physician  can  make  no  mis- 
take. It  is  also  indicated  in  all  irritations,  but  this 
comes  properly  under  the  heading  of  sores.  The  dose 
of  the  Tincture  is  from  30  to  60  minims.  The  use  of 
this  remedy  leaves  absolutely  no  ill  effects. 

RED  RASPBERRY. — Rubus  Strigosus. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  is  an  excellent  article,  and  I  believe  was  never 
made  use  of  as  medicine  till  discovered  by  me.  When 
in  Eastport,  I  had  no  article  with  me  good  for  can- 
ker, and  I  resorted  to  my  old  rule  of  tasting,  and 
found  that  these  leaves  were  good  for  that  com- 
plaint ;  made  into  a  strong  tea,  it  answered  every 
purpose  wished.  I  gathered  a  large  quantity  of  the 
leaves,  and  dried  them,  and  have  been  in  constant 
use  of  it  as  a  medicine  ever  since,  and  have  found  it 
an  excellent  article,  both  for  canker  and  many  other 
complaints,  for  relax  and  other  bowel  complaints  of 
children,  it  is  the  best  thing  that  I  have  found;  by 


112  THE  THOMSONIAN 

giving  the  tea  and  using  it  in  the  injections,  it  af- 
fords immediate  relief.  A  tea  made  of  the  leaves, 
sweetened,  with  milk  in  it,  is  very  pleasant,  and  may 
be  used  freely.  It  is  the  best  thing  for  women  in 
travail  of  any  article  I  know  of.  Give  a  strong  tea  of 
it,  with  a  little  of  No.  2,  sweetened,  and  it  will  regu- 
late everything  as  Nature  requires.  If  the  pains  are 
untimely,  it  will  make  all  quiet ;  if  timely  and  linger- 
ing, give  more  No.  2  and  Umbil  in  the  tea.  When 
the  child  is  born,  give  it  some  of  the  tea  with  sugar 
and  milk  in  it;  this  prevents  sore  mouth,  and  the  tea 
is  good  to  wash  sore  nipples  with.  A  poultice  made 
with  this  tea  and  cracker,  or  slippery-elm  bark,  is 
very  good  for  burns  or  scalds;  if  the  skin  is  off,  by 
applying  this  poutlice  or  washing  with  the  tea,  it  will 
harden  and  stop  smarting.  It  may  be  used  in  No. 
3  as  a  substitute  for  other  articles,  or  alone,  to  good 
effect. 

The  leaves  are  a  mild,  pleasant,  soothing,  diffusive, 
stimualting,  astringent  tonic.  It  allays  nausea,  sus- 
tains the  nerves,  and  tones  the  mucous  membranes, 
It  is  effective  in  acute  and  chronic  dysentery  and 
diarrhoea  although  not  as  pronounced  as  some  of 
the  other  remedies  given.  It  will  do  good  service  in 
urethral  irritation  and  soothe  the  kidneys  and  urinary 
tract  and  ducts.  It  will  also  sustain  the  uterus  and 
stop  hemorrhages.  As  an  injection  in  leucorrhoea, 
gonorrhoea,  dysentery  and  diarrhoea  it  is  of  much 
use  as  an  injection.  The  dose  of  the  Tincture  is  from 
20  to  40  minims. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE)  113 

SQUAW  WEED. — Seiiccio  Obovarus. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  is  known  in  the  country  by  the  name  of 
frostweed,  or  meadow  scabish ;  it  is  a  wild  weed,  and 
grows  in  wet  land,  by  the  sides  of  brooks ;  it  has  a 
stalk  that  grows  four  or  five  feet  high,  which  is 
rough  and  woolly,  with  a  narrow  leaf;  and  bears  a 
blue  blossom  late  in  the  Fall,  which  remains  till  the 
frost  kills  it.  The  root  lives  through  the  Winter,  and 
in  the  Spring  puts  forth  a  new  stalk;  the  leaves  at 
the  bottom  remain  green  through  the  Winter.  The 
roots  and  top  are  used  for  medicine.  It  has  a  frag- 
rant taste  and  smells  like  lovage.  It  was  the  first 
thing  I  ever  knew  used  for  canker,  and  was  given  to 
me  when  I  had  the  canker-rash,  being  considered 
then  the  best  article  known  for  canker.  I  have  fre- 
quently used  it  for  that  complaint  and  found  it  very 
good.  Take  the  green  roots  and  leaves,  bruise  them, 
and  pour  on  hot  water;  give  this  tea  sweetened.  It 
may  be  kept  by  adding  a  little  spirit,  and  is  good  for 
rheumatism  and  nervous  affections.  It  is  perfectly 
harmless,  and  may  be  used  freely.  It  makes  a  very 
good  bitters,  tinctured  with  hot  water  and  spirit  and 
is  good  for  dizziness  and  cold  hands  and  feet.  Dose 
of  the  Tincture  from  15  to  30  minims. 

BITTER  HERB,  OR  BALMONY. — Chelone  Glabra. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  herb  grows  in  wet  mowing  land,  by  the  side  of 
brooks.  It  is  about  the  size  of  mint,  the  leaves  some 


114  THE  THOMSONIAN 

larger ;  the  stalk  is  four  square.  It  bears  a  white  blos- 
som of  singular  form,  resembling  a  snake's  head  with 
mouth  open.  For  this  reason  it  is  sometimes  known 
as  snake-head  or  turtle  bloom.  This  herb  is  a  very 
good  one  to  correct  the  bile,  and  create  an  appetite. 
A  tea  made  of  it  may  be  used  alone,  or  it  may  be 
added  to  the  other  articles  described  under  No.  4, 
which  are  all  calculated  to  restore  the  digestive 
powers. 

It  is  a  good  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  dyspepsia 
and  may  be  used  freely  for  atonic  conditions.  It  in- 
fluences the  liver  and  is  a  moderate  stimulating  cho- 
lagogue.  It  is  of  service  in  the  treatment  of  chronic 
jaundice  on  account  of  its  action  on  the  bile.  As  a 
mild  hepatic  tonic  it  does  well  in  convalescence  from 
fevers  and  other  diseases  where  the  liver  was  in- 
volved. In  mal-assimilation  it  is  one  of  the  best 
agents,  and  it  does  good  service  in  ridding  the  sys- 
tem of  worms — stomach  worms.  In  general  debility 
it  is  of  service  as  a  tonic. 

Combined  with  diuretics  its  tonic  powers  are  ex- 
erted on  the  kidneys;  and  in  dropsy  where  there  is 
chronic  hepatic  and  gastric  torpor  the  influence  of 
this  remedy  is  good.  Dose  of  the  Tincture  if  from 
one-half  to  one  drachm. 

POPLAR  BARK. — Populus  Tremuloides. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

There  are  several  species  of  the  poplar  tree  that 
grow  common  in  the  country.  One  kind  is  called 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  115 

the  white  poplar,  and  another  the  stinking  poplar. 
The  barks  of  both  these  kinds  are  good  for  medi- 
cine ;  but  the  latter  is  the  best,  being  the  most  bitter. 
It  has  tags  hanging  on  the  limbs,  which  remain  on  till 
it  leaves  out,  which  is  about  a  week  later  than  the 
other  kind.  It  has  short  brittle  twigs,  which  are  ex- 
tremely bitter  to  the  taste.  The  inner  bark  given 
as  a  tea  is  one  of  the  best  articles  to  regulate  the  bile 
and  restore  the  digestive  powers  of  anything  I  have 
ever  used.  The  bark  may  be  taken  from  the  body 
of  the  tree,  the  limbs  or  the  roots,  and  the  outside 
shaved  off.  Preserve  the  inner  bark,  which  should  be 
dried  and  carefully  preserved  for  use.  To  make  the 
bitters  No.  4,  it  should  be  pounded  or  ground  fine, 
and  mixed  with  the  other  articles,  or  it  may  be  used 
alone  for  the  same  purpose.  To  make  a  tea,  take  a 
handful  of  the  bark,  pounded  or  cut  into  small  strips, 
and  put  into  a  quart  mug,  and  fill  it  with  boiling 
water.  This,  if  taken  freely,  will  relax  the  system, 
will  relieve  headache,  faintness  at  the  stomach,  and 
many  other  complaints  caused  by  bad  digestion.  It 
is  good  for  obstructions  of  the  urine,  and  weakness 
in  the  loins;  and  those  of  a  consumptive  habit  will 
find  great  relief  in  using  this  tea  freely. 

In  chronic  diarrhoea,  chronic  dysentery,  cholera 
infantum,  it  is  a  tonic,  not  an  astringent. 

It  is  of  much  use  in  kidney  and  bladder  trouble. 
It  gradually  increases  the  urine  and  relieves  the  ach- 
ing back.  If  given  with  Uva  ursi,  it  will  give  good 
results  in  cystic  and  renal  catarrh  and  in  congestions. 


116  THE  THOMSONIAN 

It  is  also  indicated  in  uterine,  vaginal  and  anal  weak- 
ness, and  can  be  used  as  a  wash  or  internally.  Is 
good  as  a  wash  in  skin  diseases  and  sores  caused  by 
gonorrhoea  or  syphilis.  The  dose  of  the  Tincture  is 
from  30  to  60  minims. 

BARBERRY. — Berberis  Vulgaris. 

This  is  a  house-yard  shrub  bearing  bright  red  ber- 
ries which  are  often  used  for  preserving  purposes. 
The  bark  is  the  portion  that  is  used  medicinally. 

Barberry  bark  is  an  intensely  bitter  stimulant, 
used  chiefly  for  torpid  condition  of  the  liver  and  flac- 
cid conditions  of  the  stomach.  It  is  a  pronounced 
tonic  and  is  adapted  only  to  chronic  cases.  In  jaun- 
dice, accompanied  by  loss  of  strength  and  feeble  ap- 
petite, it  is  valuable.  It  is  much  used  in  malarial 
diseases  combined  with  other  agents.  An  infusion  of 
half  an  ounce  to  the  pint  of  boiling  water  is  sufficient- 
ly strong.  Half  a  teacupful  before  meals  will  prove 
of  much  benefit.  It  is  used  as  part  of  the  bitters  No. 
4.  The  dose  of  the  Tincture  is  from  5  to  10  drops. 

BITTER-ROOT,    OR    WANDERING    MlLK-WEED. — 

Apocymtm  Androsaemifolium. 

This  valuable  vegetable  grows  in  meadows  and  in 
hedges,  and  in  appearance  is  something  like  buck- 
wheat, having  similar  white  blossoms  ;  when  the  stalk 
is  broken  it  discharges  a  milky  substance ;  it  has  two 
small  pods  about  the  size  of  the  cabbage  seed  pods, 
with  a  silky  substance. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  117 

This  herb  is  wandering,  that  is,  the  roots  run  about 
under  ground  to  a  considerable  distance  and  produce 
many  stalks,  which  grow  up  from  different  parts  of 
the  root  to  the  height  of  about  two  feet.  The  kind 
that  is  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  wandering 
milk-weed  grows  only  on  upland.  There  is  another 
kind  which  grows  near  rivers  and  on  islands  where 
high  water  flows  over  it;  this  differs  some  from  the 
other  in  appearance ;  the  roots  run  deep  in  the  sand, 
it  has  leaves  and  pods  like  the  first,  and  both  are  good 
for  medicine.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  used.  The 
roots  should  be  dug  and  dried,  and  when  perfectly 
dry  may  be  pounded  in  a  mortar,  when  the  bark  is 
easily  separated  from  the  woody  part.  This  root  is 
very  bitter,  and  is  one  of  the  greatest  correctors  of  the 
bile  I  know  of,  and  is  an  excellent  medicine  to  remove 
costiveness,  as  it  will  cause  the  bowels  to  move  in  a 
natural  manner.  A  strong  decoction  of  this  root, 
made  by  steeping  it  in  hot  water,  if  drank  freely,  will 
operate  as  a  cathartic,  and  sometimes  as  an  emetic, 
and  is  most  sure  to  throw  off  a  fever  in  its  first  stages. 
It  should  be  used  in  all  cases  of  costiveness. 

For  jaundice,  gall-stones  and  chronic  sluggish  con- 
ditions of  the  liver,  bitter  root  is  unexcelled ;  but  it 
should  not  be  employed  in  irritable  conditions  of  the 
stomach.  Apocynin  is  a  concentrated  preparation  of 
bitter  root  and  is  the  best  form  to  use  in  chronic  cases. 

Dose  of  the  Alkaloidal  extract,  known  as  Apocynin 
is  from  i  to  2  grains  twice  a  day.  The  dose  of  the 
Fluid  Extract  is  ten  drops  every  six  hours. 


118  THE  THOMSONIAN 

GOLDEN  SEAL. — Hydrastis  Canadensis. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

This  root  is  the  king  of  tonics  to  the  mucous  mem- 
brane. It  is  a  mild,  positive  and  permanent  stimulat- 
ing tonic.  Its  influence,  though  primarily  given  to  the 
mucous  membrane,  extends  to  all  parts  of  the  body, 
wherever  it  may  be  required  by  the  necessities  of  the 
vital  force  or  influenced  thither  by  its  combination 
with  other  agents. 

It  improves  the  appetite  and  assists  digestion.  In 
the  weak  and  debilitated  stomach,  especially  if  there 
be  nervous  disturbances  or  if  the  gastric  membrane 
be  clogged  with  congested  or  catarrhal  mucus,  and 
in  cases  of  gastric  ulceration,  hydrastis  given  in  small 
and  frequent  doses  will  not  infrequently  give  relief 
both  to  the  gastric  membrane  and  to  the  nervous 
system. 

In  combination  with  biborate  of  soda  it  makes  an 
excellent  wash  for  children's  sore  mouth  and  other 
forms  of  sore  mouth  and  sore  gums. 

Its  especial  function  with  the  liver  is  its  tonic  relief 
to  the  portal  system.  In  fact  this  same  class  of  in- 
fluence is  felt  throughout  the  entire  venous  system. 
It  is  one  of  the  best  agents  for  the  sustaining  of  the 
venous  circulation.  Hence  its  action  upon  the  right 
or  venous  side  of  the  heart.  Its  influence  is  also  felt 
by  the  arterial  circulation,  but  this  influence  is 
secondary. 

Hydrastis  may  be  made  to  specially  influence  the 
stomach,  bronchi,  bowels,  urinary  aparata  or  gen- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  119 

italia,  as  it  may  be  influenced  by  its  combination  with 
agents  that  especially  influence  any  one  of  these 
several  departments.  With  Aralia,  Prunus,  or  Com- 
frey,  it  gives  tone  and  vigor  to  the  respiratory  organs ; 
with  Juglans  it  forms  a  powerful  intestinal  tonic ;  with 
Eupatorium  Purpureum  or  Capsella  its  tonic  in- 
fluence is  felt  upon  the  kidneys ;  and  with  such  agents 
as  Mitchella  it  promptly  influences  the  organs  of 
generation. 

With  gentle  astringents  it  is  admirable  in  the  gas- 
tric and  alvine  weakness  present  in  Cholera  Infantum, 
and  in  Diarrhoea  generally.  It  tones  the  membrane 
and  enables  it  to  cast  off  its  accumulated  mucus. 

Locally  in  female  troubles  it  is  unexcelled.  Calen- 
dula or  Hamamelis  may  be  added  as  required. 

In  intestinal  weakness  it  may  be  combined  with 
some  preparation  whose  nature  is  of  iron,  such  as 
Prunus  Virginiana,  and  when  alteratives  are  required 
to  be  used  the  influence  of  hydrastis  is  frequently  a 
valuable  addition. 

It  is  of  great  service  combined  with  Hepatics  for 
the  relief  of  the  portal  circulation  and  for  its  tonic 
influence  in  both  the  secreting  and  excreting  func- 
tions of  the  liver. 

Locally  the  influence  of  hydrastis  is  a  very  superior 
one.  In  erysipelas,  ophthalmia,  sore  mouth,  sore 
throat,  leucorrhoea,  vaginal  and  uterine  ulceration, 
eczema,  small-pox,  eruptive  and  syphilitic  sores  it  is 
excellent. 

With  Hamamelis  and  Glycerine  it  forms  a  good 


1£0  THE  THOMSONIAN 

wash  in  gonorrhoea,  and  in  infusion  of  Hydrastis  may 
be  used  daily  for  uterine  ulceration.  The  dose  of  the 
Tincture  of  Hydrastis  is  from  30  to  60  minims. 

PEACH  MEATS. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

The  meats  that  are  in  the  peach  stones  have  long 
been  used  as  medicine,  and  need  but  little  to  be  said 
about  them,  except  that  they  are  of  great  value  to 
strengthen  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  restore  the 
digestion;  for  which  purpose  I  have  made  much  use 
of  them,  and  always  to  good  advantage.  Made  into 
a  cordial,  with  other  articles,  in  the  manner  as  di- 
rected under  No.  5,  it  forms  one  of  the  best  remedies 
I  know  of  to  recover  the  natural  tone  of  the  stomach 
after  long  sickness.  A  tea  may  be  made  of  the  leaves 
and  bark  of  the  peach  tree  and  answers  almost  the 
same  purpose  as  the  peach  meats. 

CAUTION. — Do  not  allow  the  infusion  to  stand  over 
eight  hours,  as  by  fermentation  prussic  acid  will  be 
formed  and  cause  poisoning.  It  should  be  made 
fresh  every  time  it  is  used.  The  tincture,  syrup  or 
fluid  extract  can  be  kept  any  length  of  time. 

The  dose  of  the  Tincture  is  from  30  to  60  minims. 

CHERRY  STONES. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

The  meats  of  the  Wild  Cherry  stones  are  very 
good,  and  may  be  used  instead  of  the  peach  meats, 
when  they  cannot  be  had.  Get  the  stones  as  clean  as 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  121 

possible,  and  when  well  dried,  pound  them  in  a  mor- 
tar, and  separate  the  meats  from  the  stones,  which  is 
done  with  little  trouble ;  take  the  same  quantity  as  is 
directed  of  the  peach  meats,  and  it  will  answer  equally 
as  well.  A  tea  made  of  the  cherries,  pounded  with 
the  stones,  and  steeped  in  hot  water,  sweetened  with 
loaf  sugar,  to  which  is  added  a  little  brandy,  is  good 
to  restore  the  digestive  powers  and  create  an  appetite. 
Bitter  almonds  may  be  used  as  a  substitute  for  the 
peach  meats  or  cherry  stones,  when  they  cannot  be 
had.  See  No.  5. 

AMERICAN  VALERIAN,  OR  LADY  SLIPPER. 

Cypripedium  Pubescens. 
This  is  fully  described  as  No.  7. 

SPEARMINT. — Mentha  Viridis. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  is  a  well-known  herb,  and  makes  a  very 
pleasant  tea,  which  may  be  freely  used  in  sickness. 
The  most  valuable  property  it  possesses  is  to  stop 
vomiting.  If  the  Emetic  Herb  or  any  other  cause 
should  produce  violent  vomiting,  by  giving  a  strong 
tea  of  this  herb  it  will  stop  it,  and  sit  pleasantly  on  the 
stomach. 

This  herb  will  also  induce  free  discharge  of  the 
watery  portion  of  the  urine,  relieve  flatulence  and 
sooth  the  nervous  system.  It  is  very  good  for  rest- 
less children.  The  tincture  will  answer  the  same 
purpose  as  the  tea.  Dose  of  Tincture  is  from  30  to 
60  drops,  in  hot  water. 


122  THE  THOMSONIAN 

PEPPERMINT.— Mentha  Piperita. 

This  article  is  very  hot  in  its  nature,  and  may  be 
used  to  advantage  to  promote  perspiration  and  over- 
power the  cold.  I  have  frequently  used  it  for  that 
purpose  with  success,  but  it  is  volatile,  and  will  not 
retain  the  heat  long  in  the  stomach.  In  colds  and 
slight  attacks  of  disease,  to  drink  freely  of  a  tea  made 
of  this  herb  on  going  to  bed  will  throw  it  off. 

The  essence  of  peppermint  is  a  standard  article  for 
wind  colic  and  cramps,  a  few  drops  in  water  or  on 
sugar  being  the  best  method  of  employing  it.  The 
herb  may  be  made  into  an  infusion  which  may  be 
freely  used  as  a  drink.  The  oil  is  usually  employed  to 
flavor  syrups ;  eight  drops,  first  rubbed  up  thoroughly 
with  sugar,  will  be  sufficient  to  flavor  a  quart  of 
syrup. 

PENNYROYAL. — Hedeoma  Pukgoides. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  herb  grows  common  in  all  parts  of  the 
country,  and  is  too  well  known  to  need  any  descrip- 
tion. It  is  an  article  of  great  value  in  medicine,  and  a 
tea  of  it  may  be  freely  used  in  all  cases  of  sickness. 
It  is  good  for  the  stomach,  being  warming  and  cleans- 
ing ;  if  drank  freely,  will  produce  perspiration  and  re- 
move obstructions.  In  colds  and  slight  attacks  of 
disease,  it  will  be  likely  to  throw  it  off  and  prevent 
sickness.  It  is  very  good  for  children,  and  will  re- 
move pain  in  the  bowels  and  wind.  In  going  through 
a  course  of  medicine,  a  tea  of  this  herb  may  be  given 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  123 

for  drink,  and  will  cause  the  medicine  to  have  a 
pleasant  operation. 

PENNYROYAL. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

The  herb  is  an  aromatic,  stimulating,  and  relaxing 
diaphoretic.  It  is  warming  to  the  stomach  and  sus- 
taining to  the  capillary  circulation.  In  hot  infusion 
it  is  a  popular  agent  for  the  breaking  up  of  colds,  and 
for  the  relief  of  the  menstral  flow  when  influenced  by 
congestion.  While  a  diaphoretic,  it  is  no  less  an  anti- 
spasmodic  nervine  and  will  be  found  valuable  in 
dysmenorrhoea  in  nervous  ladies,  and  is  of  good 
service  in  hysteria. 

In  hot  infusion  it  will  be  found  valuable  in  eruptive 
diseases,  and  may  be  given  freely  when  the  eruption 
is  slow  in  making  its  appearance. 

In  hot  infusion  it  gives  good  results  in  the  colic, 
flatulence,  restlessness,  peevishness,  general  nervous- 
ness and  feverishness  of  children.  Locally  applied  a 
hot  fomentation  or  the  local  application  of  steam 
from  an  infusion  of  this  agent  is  very  good  to  relieve 
local  congestions,  whether  of  the  head,  lungs, 
stomach,  uterus,  bladder  or  kidneys. 

The  Tincture  of  Pennyroyal  can  be  used  for  the 
same  purpose  as  the  infusion.  It  should  be  given  in 
hot  water.  Dose  is  from  30  to  60  drops. 

HOREHOUND. — Marrubium  Vulgare. 
This  plant  grows  common  in  this  country,  and  is 
made  much  account  of  in  removing  cough.     An  in- 


124  THE  THOMSONIAN 

fusion  made  of  the  leaves,  sweetened  with  honey,  is 
good  for  the  asthma,  and  all  complaints  of  the  lungs. 
The  syrup  of  this  plant  will  loosen  tough  phlegm,  and 
remove  hoarseness  caused  by  a  bad  cold. 

Marrubium  is  very  good  in  the  treatment  of  wet 
catarrh  and  in  all  cases  of  cold  or  consumption  where 
there  is  a  great  deal  of  mucus  discharged.  It  is  a 
diffusive,  stimulating  tonic  and  is  somewhat  diaphor- 
etic. The  tincture  can  be  used  as  well  as  an  infusion 
but  should  be  given  in  hot  water.  The  dose  of  the 
tincture  is  from  30  to  60  drops. 

ELECAMPANE. — Inula  Helenium. 

The  root  of  this  plant  made  into  a  syrup  is  good  for 
cough  and  should  be  added  to  cough  syrups  that  are 
used  in  chronic  coughs.  It  is  better  suited  in  chronic 
complaints  than  in  the  acute  coughs.  It  is  of  good 
service  in  the  treatment  of  all  gastric,  alvine  and 
pulmonary  mucous  membranes  and  is  of  much  use  in 
catarrhal  conditions  of  the  bronchi,  and  catarrhal 
dyspepsia.  Dose  of  the  tincture  from  15  to  60  drops. 

MAYWEED. — Anthemis  Cotula. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

A  hot  infusion  made  of  the  flowers  and  stems  of 
this  herb,  to  be  drank  hot  on  going  to  bed,  is  very 
good  for  a  cold,  and  in  slight  attacks  of  fever  if  used 
freely,  and  a  hot  stone  or  water  bottle  put  to  the  feet, 
will  in  most  cases  throw  it  off. 

The  hot  infusion  or  tincture  given  in  hot  infusion 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  125 

is  decidedly  diaphoretic  and  an  emmenagogue.  It  is 
of  good  service  in  inflamed  extremities ;  for  pelvic  and 
abdominal  peritonitis ;  for  cystic,  pelvic,  abdominal 
or  thoraic  congestions  and  for  local  neuralgia.  It  is 
also  of  use  in  torpid  or  congested  conditions  of  the 
mucous  membranes.  Dose  of  the  tincture  in  hot 
water  is  from  30  to  60  drops. 

WORMWOOD. — Artemisia  A bsinthium. 
(ABSINTHEE.) 

This  herb  is  a  very  wholesome  bitters,  and  may  be 
taken  to  advantage  in  different  ways.  It  is  of  a  hot 
nature,  and  is  good  for  the  stomach  to  create  an 
appetite  and  assist  the  digestion.  If  the  stomach  is 
in  a  very  bad  condition,  it  is  liable  to  cause  vomiting 
and  will  then  thoroughly  clean  out  the  stomach  of 
bile. 

The  dose  used  should  be  very  small.  Its  intense 
bitterness  prevents  its  universal  use.  It  is  very  good 
in  torpid  conditions  of  the  mucous  membranes  but 
should  not  be  used  in  cases  where  the  membranes  of 
the  stomach  and  bowels  are  irritated.  Dose  of  the 
tincture — best  taken  in  hot  water — is  from  15  to  30 
drops. 

CHAMOMILE. — Anthemis  Nobilis. 
Garden  Chamomile  has  maintained  a  valuable  repu- 
tation for  many  hundreds  of  years,  and  its  usefulness 
is  fully  recognized.  In  character  it  is  a  soothing 
nervine,  and  a  mild  stomach  tonic,  to  be  used  where 
there  is  weakness  and  poor  appetite.  The  flowers  are 


126  THE  THOMSONIAN 

best  used  in  infusion  or  the  tincture  in  hot  water. 
The  Roman  variety  is  best;  after  the  Roman,  the 
German  is  second  and  the  common  garden  variety 
is  as  good  as  either  of  the  others  but  is  not  nearly  as 
strong. 

When  given  warm,  Camomile  will  favor  perspira- 
tion and  soften  the  skin,  and  in  women  will  promote 
the  menstrual  flow.  The  cold  infusion  acts  as  a  tonic, 
and  is  more  suitable  for  stomach  difficulties,  and  as 
a  drink  during  convalescence  from  febrile  diseases. 
The  vapor  from  Camomile  boiled  in  water  may  be 
inhaled  to  advantage  in  quinsy. 

When  applied  externally,  it  will  relieve  sprains, 
bruises,  and  swellings  and  remove  callouses,  corns, 
etc. ;  it  will  also  restore  shrunken  sinews.  The  dose 
of  the  tincture  is  from  one-half  to  one  drachm. 

BITTER-SWEET. — Solanum  Dulcamara. 

This  is  often  called  staff  vine  and  also  bitter-sweet. 
It  is  a  climbing  vine,  bearing  orange-colored,  three- 
cornered  berries.  The  root  is  long  and  also  orange- 
colored  ;  the  bark  of  the  root  is  the  medicinal  portion 
of  the  plant. 

Bitter-Sweet  is  a  relaxant,  exerting  its  influence 
chiefly  upon  the  glandular  system ;  proving  especi- 
ally soothing  in  irritable  conditions.  It  is  usually 
given  in  syrup  form  combined  with  pronounced  alter- 
atives, such  as  yellow  dock  or  stillingia,  and  is  very 
beneficial  in  the  treatment  of  eczema  and  scrofula. 
Bitter-sweet  ointment  is  very  soothing  for  irritable 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  127 

skin  troubles,  piles,  burns,  scalds,  etc.  It  is  prepared 
by  heating  for  eight  hours  one  pound  of  bark  in  one 
pound  of  lard.  Dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  one-half 
to  one  drachm. 

TANSY. — Tanacetum  Vulgare. 

This  is  a  hot,  bitter  herb,  grows  common  in  high- 
ways, and  is  cultivated  in  gardens.  A  tea  made  of 
this  herb  is  good  for  hysterics  and  other  female  com- 
plaints ;  it  will  strengthen  those  that  have  weak  veins 
and  kidneys,  and  is  good  for  the  stranguary,  or 
stoppage  of  urine.  It  is  also  of  use  for  the  relief  of 
colds  and  of  the  menstrual  flow  when  obstructed  by 
colds.  Pregnant  women  must  not  use  it.  The  green 
leaves  pounded  are  good  to  put  on  bruises  and 
sprains,  and  will  allay  the  swelling.  Dose  of  the 
tincture  is  from  30  to  60  minims.  Best  taken  in  hot 
water. 

MULLEIN. —  Verbascum  Thapsus. 
This  plant,  sometimes  spoken  of  as  the  American 
Velvet-leaf,  grows  abundantly  throughout  the  coun- 
try, and  its  leaves  can  be  easily  dried  and  preserved. 
They  will  be  found  most  serviceable  in  many  con- 
ditions. Made  into  a  hot  poultice  they  may  be  ap- 
plied wherever  absorption  is  desired,  as  in  dropsy 
of  the  joints,  deep-seated  chronic  abscesses  and 
persistent  swellings.  For  sciatica,  spinal  tenderness 
and  inflammatory  rheumatism  tincture  of  Mullein 
may  be  used  as  a  liniment  along  with  tincture  of 
Black  Cohosh  and  Lobelia. 


128  THE  THOMSONIAN 

A  syrup  of  Mullein  is  excellent  for  irritable  coughs. 
The  infusion  may  be  made  by  pouring  a  pint  of  boil- 
ing water  on  the  dried  and  well  broken  leaves,  which 
swell  greatly.  A  poultice  of  Mullein  leaves,  Lobelia 
and  Black  Cohosh  will  give  great  relief  in  Neuralgia 
of  the  face. 

Mullein  Oil  has  a  soothing  influence  over  the 
nervous  system,  in  some  cases  acting  as  a  soporific. 
It  corrects  the  acidity  of  the  urine  common  to  many 
diseases,  and  has  an  influence  over  the  urinary  ap- 
paratus, but  does  not  act  actively  as  a  diuretic.  One 
drop  of  the  oil  in  water,  four  times  daily,  will  per- 
manently cure  most  cases  of  nocturnal  incontinence 
of  urine,  and  those  cases  also  where  there  is  a  con- 
stant dribbling.  Inflammation  in  the  testicles,  the 
oil  has  been  applied  with  admirable  results.  In  all 
enlarged  glands  with  inflammation,  it  soothes  and 
promotes  resolution  without  suppuration.  It  has 
been  used  internally  in  the  treatment  of  phthisis 
pulmonalis  with  the  very  best  results  and  is  useful  in 
the  treatment  of  glandular  swellings,  hepatization  or 
thickening  of  lung  tissue,  asthma,  hay-fever,  coughs, 
pleuritis  and  in  all  forms  of  dropsy. 

A  specific  effect  is  that  this  remedy  quickly  cor- 
rects the  diarrhoea  which  accompanies  phthisis  pul- 
monalis. It  relieves  the  severe  cough  in  many  cases, 
and  has  improved  the  nutrition  and  caused  the  patient 
to  gain  in  weight. 

In  many  cases  of  bronchitis,  cystitis,  diarrhoea  and 
dysentery,  and  in  hemorrhoids,  it  gives  the  best  of 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  129 

results.  In  the  treatment  of  the  ear,  it  is  the  remedy. 
In  deafness  from  hypersecretion,  in  deafness  that 
gradually  creeps  on  without  any  apparent  cause,  in 
earache,  and  in  abscess,  it  is  successful. 

In  the  treatment  of  the  ear,  the  physician  should  be 
very  careful  and  not  make  the  mistake  of  using  Ver- 
bascum,  the  tincture  of  the  Mullein  Plant,  for  Mullein 
Oil.  The  oil  to  be  used  in  these  cases  is  extracted 
from  the  freshly  gathered  Mullein  blossoms  by  sun 
distillation.* 

The  dose  of  the  tincture  of  Mullein  leaves  for  in- 
ternal medication  is  from  60  to  120  minims. 

BURDOCK. — Arctium  Lappa.     (Lappa  Major.) 

The  leaves  of  this  plant,  wilted  by  the  fire  and  ap- 
plied to  an  external  injury,  will  allay  the  inflammation 
and  ease  pain,  and  they  are  good  pounded  and  put  on 
a  bruise  or  sprain,  as  they  will  immediately  give  relief. 
The  leaves  are  good  applied  to  the  feet  in  case  of 
fever,  to  keep  them  moist  and  promote  perspiration. 

The  root  is  a  soothing  demulcent  tonic  alterative. 
It  slowly  and  steadily  influences  the  skin,  soothes  the 
kidneys  and  relieves  the  lymphatics.  It  is  of  great 
importance  in  all  skin  diseases  and  in  scrofulous  affec- 

*The  only  genuine  Mullein  Oil  is  to  be  had  from 
the  Luyties'  Homeopatic  Pharmacy  Co.,  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  U.  S.  A.  While  the  reader  might  think  it 
strange  that  a  Homeopathic  concern  is  recom- 
mended, it  may  be  well  to  say  that  the  firm  that  pro- 
duces the  genuine  articles  is  the  one  to  recommend. 


130  THE  THOMSONIAN 

tions.  It  is  very  soothing  to  the  mucous  membrane 
throughout  and  is  hence  valuable  in  irritated  con- 
ditions. Its  soothing  character  is  also  extended  to 
the  serious  membrane  and  is  valuable  in  rheumatism 
and  also  in  venereal  diseases,  especially  if  combin'ed 
with  more  stimulating  agents. 

The  seeds  are  somewhat  more  stimulating  than  the 
roots,  and  are  oleaginous.  The  seeds  should  be 
ground  in  order  to  obtain  their  properties  quickly. 
In  hot  infusion  it  influences  the  sebaceous  glands,  and 
is  of  superior  importance  in  scarlatina,  and  other 
exanthemata,  and  also  in  typhoid  fever. 

Cold  preparations  influence  the  kidneys,  increasing 
the  flow  of  urine  and  relieving  irritation  of  the  urinary 
tract. 

In  skin  diseases  the  seeds  are  to  be  preferred  to 
the  roots,  although  the  roots  will  act  in  the  same 
manner,  only  that  it  is  not  so  active. 

The  dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  one-half  to  one 
drachm.  It  can  be  given  in  hot  water  and  will  then 
act  the  same  as  an  infusion. 

SKUNK  CABBAGE. — Symplocarpus  Foetidus. 

The  vegetable  grows  common  in  all  parts  of  New 
England.  It  has  large  leaves  something  resembling 
cabbage,  from  which,  and  its  disagreeable  smell,  it 
takes  its  name ;  it  may  be  found  in  the  meadows  and 
wet  land.  The  root  only  is  used  for  medicine,  and 
should  be  dug  and  split  into  strips  carefully  dried; 
when  dry  it  should  be  pounded  or  ground  to  a  pow- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  131 

der.  This  powder  may  be  taken  in  tea,  sweetened,  or 
made  into  a  syrup,  or  half  a  teaspoonful  may  be  mixed 
in  honey  and  taken  in  the  morning ;  or  at  night  when 
going  to  bed.  It  is  good  for  asthma,  cough,  difficulty 
of  breathing,  and  all  disorders  of  the  lungs,  is  valuable 
in  restlessness  of  fevers,  in  chorea,  whooping  cough 
and  in  general  irritation  of  the  system.  It  is  a  ner- 
vine of  value.  Dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  15  to  30 
drops. 

WAKE-ROBIN. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  plant  grows  wild  in  this  country.  It  has  three 
triangular  leaves.  From  between  them  it  puts  forth 
a  naked  stalk,  on  the  top  of  which  is  a  singular  stem 
or  pistil,  enclosed  in  a  sheath,  resembling  a  flower, 
which  is  followed  by  a  bunch  of  reddish  berries.  The 
root  is  the  part  used  for  medicine,  and  resembles  a 
small  turnip.  This  root  is  extremely  pungent  and 
stimulating,  and  is  often  given  for  colic  and  pain  in 
the  bowels,  and  to  expel  wind.  I  have  mostly  made 
use  of  it  for  cough  and  disorders  of  the  lungs,  for 
which  I  have  found  it  very  useful.  The  root  should 
be  dried  and  reduced  to  a  powder,  and  may  be  given 
mixed  with  honey,  or  in  a  syrup.  Dose  of  the  syrup 
is  from  one-half  to  a  teaspoonful. 

THOROUGH- WORT,     BONESET. — Euparorium 

Perfoliatum. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 
This  herb  is  well  known  in  the  country,  and  is  made 


132  THE  THOMSONIAN 

use  of  by  the  people  in  tea  for  many  complaints.  It 
is  of  a  warming  nature,  and  is  good  for  cough  and 
other  complaints  of  the  lungs.* 

Eupatorium  Perfoliatum,  or  Boneset,  as  known  to 
the  country  people,  has  long  been  a  household 
remedy,  sometimes  it  is  known  as  Thoroughwort. 
(Dr.  Thomson  describes  it  under  this  name  only.)  As 
a  tonic  it  is  used  either  in  syrup  form  or  as  a  cold 
infusion,  and  is  useful  in  obstructions  of  the  liver  and 
in  promoting  the  secretion  of  bile  in  cases  of  jaundice 
and  malarial  disorders  characterized  by  constipation. 

In  warm  infusion  Boneset  is  a  pronounced  relaxant 
and  will  soften  the  skin  by  inducing  perspiration ;  and 
if  given  too  freely  will  excite  vomiting.  An  infusion 
is  made  by  steeping  an  ounce  of  the  herb  in  a  pint  of 
boiling  water.  It  is  extremely  bitter  to  the  taste,  and 
to  children  it  is  often  highly  objectionable.  (Dr. 
Greer.) 

*The  above  is  all  that  is  found  in  the  work  by  Dr. 
Samuel  Thomson,  the  founder  of  the  Physio-Medical 
system  of  practice.  I  call  special  attention  to  this 
fact  for  the  simple  reason  that  it  is  now  one  of  our 
best  remedies  and  one  the  Physio-Medicalist  of  Herb- 
alist cannot  well  do  without.  Dr.  Thomson  used  it  in 
practically  all  cases,  but  late  investigation  and  prac- 
tical experience  has  taught  us  that,  while  Dr.  Thom- 
son used  it  extensively,  he  knew  but  very  little  of  the 
use  it  could  be  put  to  and  therefore  a  more  extensive 
description  of  this  herb  will  be  given.  This  has  been 
done  in  most  cases  without  calling  any  special  atten- 
tion to  the  fact,  but  it  is  considered  important  to  call 
attention  to  this  fact  here. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  133 

This  herb  in  bloom  is  positively  relaxing  to  the 
mucous  membrane  throughout,  slightly  stimulating, 
toning  and  antispasmodic.  It  is  best  when  it  first 
blooms.  It  is  slow  in  its  action  but  almost  certain  to 
relieve  the  liver.  It  is  a  favorite  remedy  for  the  pre- 
vention of  fever.  In  large  doses  it  is  gently  cathartic 
and  greatly  tones  the  bowels  throughout. 

Night  sweats  yield  to  this  remedy  better  than  any- 
thing else  in  cases  of  phthisis.  The  relaxing  proper- 
ties are  to  some  extent  dissipated  by  the  heat  and  the 
stimulancy,  anti-spasmodic  and  tonic  properties  are 
left.  Night  sweats  relieved  by  this  remedy  hardly 
ever  return  again.  It  is  of  good  use  in  all  fevers  and 
in  chronic  ague  it  has  absolutely  no  equal. 

Because  of  its  promoting  the  secretion  of  bile  by 
the  liver,  also  its  excretion  by  the  gall  cyst,  it  is  in- 
valuable in  many  liver  complaints,  especially  in 
general  biliousness. 

The  tincture  may  be  added  to  cough  syrups  when  a 
more  free  expectoration  is  desired.  In  colds,  bron- 
chitis, and  pneumonia,  especially  if  the  patient  be  in- 
clined to  biliousness  and  constipation,  a  large  injec- 
tion may  be  given  to  free  the  lower  bowels.  With 
this,  hot  infusion  is  to  be  given  internally  until  the 
bowels  move  freely.  Relaxation  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane generally  will  follow  with  good  results.  After 
this,  smaller  doses  may  be  given  and  the  mucous 
membrane  will  become  toned  by  it.  Boneset  is  also 
valuable  in  the  treatment  of  rheumatism,  especially 
of  the  gouty  and  bilious  classes.  In  the  first,  it 


9a 


134  THE  THOMSONIAN 

cleanses  and  tones  the  gastric  membrane  and  in  the 
second,  it  relieves  the  liver  and  gall-cyst.  Dose  of 
the  tincture  is  from  20  to  60  minims. 

FEATHERFEW. 
(Dr.  Thomson.)    (i) 
FEVERFEW. — Chrysanthem  wni  Parthenium. 
(Dr.  Lyle.)    (2) 

This  herb  is  stimulating  and  is  good  for  hysteric 
complaints,  and  many  other  disorders  common  to 
females.  It  promotes  the  passage  of  urine,  and  re- 
moves obstructions  in  those  parts,  (i) 

This  plant  resembles  Chamomile  very  much  in  ap- 
pearance. As  a  remedial  agent  the  flowers,  usually 
given  in  infusion,  will  be  found  serviceable  In  relieving 
suppressed  or  painful  menstruation  brought  about 
by  exposure  to  cold.  (2) 

Feverfew  is  a  diffusive,  mildly  stimulating  and  re- 
laxing and  influencing  the  skin,  nervous  system,  the 
circulation  and  the  genito-urinary  organs. 

In  hot  infusion  it  is  diaphoretic  and  is  excellent  in 
equalizing  the  circulation  and  relieving  the  head, 
brain  and  nerves  of  pressure  and  excitement.  So  in 
pleuritis  it  relieves  the  hyperaemia  present  and  re- 
duces the  inflammatory  excitement.  In  parturition 
by  equalizing  the  circulation  the  pains  become  more 
regular,  the  contractions  firmer  and  the  rigid  os  uteri 
relieved  of  its  tensity.  In  cases  where  the  menses  are 
suppressed  from  cold  it  quickly  relieves  the  hyper- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  135 

a^mia  present  and  the  flow  assumes  its  normal  con- 
dition. Its  influence  upon  the  circulation  tends  to- 
wards the  surface  and  with  proper  hepatics  it  assists 
in  relieving  the  circulation  of  impurities,  especially  in 
uraemia  and  cholaemia.  It  is  a  superior  tonic  to  the 
stomach,  relieving  hyperaemic  conditions  of  the 
mucous  membrane,  and  is  serviceable  in  colic,  flatu- 
lence, eructations  and  general  indigestion.  With 
proper  hepatics  it  assists  in  the  relief  of  engorged 
liver,  whether  it  be  from  congestion  or  inflammation. 
In  bronchitis  and  pneumonia  it  dispels  hyperaemia 
and  tones  the  mucous  membrane.  In  hysteria  it  re- 
lieves the  nerves  as  well  as  the  circulation.  In 
puerperal  fever  it  does  its  work  well,  but  at  times 
needs  more  stimulation.  In  combination  with  Cactus 
it  is  excellent  for  the  nervous,  unstrung  condition 
resulting  from  the  use  of  tobacco  or  liquor. 

In  hot  fomentation  this  herb  may  be  applied  with 
good  results  over  the  lungs,  stomach  or  abdomen  in 
cases  of  either  congestion  or  inflammation.  (3) 

The  dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  one  to  two  drachms. 
It  can  be  used  with  hot  water  to  act  as  an  infusion,  or 
can  be  taken  in  cold  water. 

CLIVERS. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 
CLEAVERS. —  Galium  Aparine. 

(Dr.  Greer.) 

This  is  the  common  trailing  plant  generally  known 
as  goose  grass  or  bed-straw.  It  grows  wild  in  fields 


136  THE  THOMSONIAN 

near  the  woods  and  is  very  abundant.  Medically,  the 
green  herb  may  be  used  as  well  as  the  dried;  and  if 
combined  with  marsh  mallows  will  prove  a  most 
soothing  agent  in  the  treatment  of  inflammatory 
diseases  of  the  kidneys,  bladder  and  urinary  passages. 
Galium  is  best  used  in  the  form  of  a  cold  infusion  and 
may  be  taken  frequently.  During  the  latter  stages 
of  scarlet  fever,  when  there  is  a  tendency  to  irritable 
conditions  of  the  kidneys,  Cleavers  will  prove  a  very 
acceptable  and  beneficial  drink.  For  children,  and 
adults  as  well,  who  suffer  from  scalding  urine,  it  is 
invaluable.  In  the  inflammatory  stage  of  gonorrhoea 
it  relieves  the  irritation  and  soothes  the  nervous 
system. 

In  hot  infusion  this  is  a  diaphoretic  and  may  be 
used  to  good  advantage  in  fevers  where  there  is  a 
necessity  to  favor  a  good,  free  outward  circulation 
and  it  relieves  the  nervous  system.  The  dose  of  the 
tincture,  taken  in  hot  or  cold  water,  as  indicated,  is 
from  one-half  to  one  drachm. 

BLACK  BIRCH  BARK. — Betula  Lenta. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

A  tea  made  of  this  bark  is  useful  in  curing  all  com- 
plaints of  the  bowels  and  to  remove  obstructions.  It 
is  also  of  use  in  dysentery.  This  tea,  with  peach 
meats  or  cherry-stone  meats,  made  into  a  syrup,  is 
an  excellent  article  to  restore  patients  after  having 
been  reduced  by  that  disease,  and  to  promote  the 
digestion.  It  is  good  for  canker  and  all  complaints 
of  the  bowels. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  137 

The  leaves  can  also  be  used  as  medicine  and  are 
more  diuretic  and  are  very  soothing  to  the  entire 
urinary  apparata  in  cases  of  renal  and  cystic  irritation 
or  inflammation.  The  dose  of  the  tincture  is  from 
15  to  45  minims.  Can  be  taken  in  hot  or  cold  water. 
In  hot  water  it  acts  the  same  as  an  infusion  and  is  a 
diaphoretic. 

EVAN  ROOT. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 
EVAN  ROOT. — -Geum  Rivak. 

(Dr.  Comfort.) 

WATER  AVENS,  AVENS. — 'Geum  Rivale  and 
Virginarum. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

This  plant  is  peculiar  to  low  marshy  ground,  and 
has  received  a  variety  of  names,  such  as  chocolate 
root,  water  avens,  throat  root,  purple  avens,  etc. 

The  root  is  a  pleasant,  mild,  soothing,  tonic  astrin- 
gent. It  is  not  drying,  but  soothing  to  the  mucous 
membrane. 

It  is  useful  to  mild,  acute  and  chronic  cases  of 
diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  In  leucorrhoea  and  gleet 
it  may  be  used  with  good  effect  both  locally  and  con- 
stitutionally. Locally  it  is  a  good  wash  for  some 
irritated  forms  of  sore  mouth. 

This  remedy  is  not  the  best  where  there  is  a  ten- 
dency to  constipation.  Geum  displays  its  influence 
to  best  advantage  as  a  tonic  astringent.  It  is  one  of 


138  THE  THOMSON1AN 

the  best  agents  to  be  used  in  cases  of  cholera  in- 
fantum.  It  improves  digestion  and  assists  assimila- 
tion. Dose  of  the  tincture  from  15  to  30  minims. 

SLIPPERY  ELM  BARK.— -Ulmus  Fulva. 
The  inner  bark  of  this  tree  is  an  article  of  much 
value,  and  may  be  used  to  advantage  in  many  dif- 
ferent ways.  There  are  several  species  of  the  elm 
that  grow  common  in  this  country,  and  there  are  two 
kinds  of  the  slippery  elm.  In  one  the  bark  is  rather 
hard  and  tough,  and  the  other  is  very  brittle;  the 
latter  is  the  best  for  medicinal  uses.  The  bark  should 
be  peeled,  the  outside  rind  shaved  off,  dried,  and 
ground  or  pounded  to  a  fine  powder.  If  used  in- 
ternally, put  a  teaspoonful  of  this  powder  into  a 
teacup  with  as  much  sugar,  mix  them  well  together, 
then  add  a  little  cold  water  and  stir  it  until  perfectly 
mixed,  and  then  put  hot  water  to  it  and  stir  till  it 
forms  a  jelly  thick  enough  to  be  eaten  with  a  spoon. 
A  teacupful  may  be  taken  at  a  time,  and  is  an  excel- 
lent medicine  to  heal  soreness  in  the  throat,  stomach 
and  bowels,  caused  by  canker;  or  more  hot  water 
may  be  put  to  it  and  made  into  a  drink  and  freely 
taken  for  the  same  purpose.  I  have  always  made 
much  use  of  this  bark  for  poultices,  and  have  in  all 
cases  found  it  a  most  excellent  article  for  that  pur- 
pose. Mixed  with  pounded  cracker  and  ginger  it 
makes  the  best  poultices  I  have  ever  found ;  for  burns, 
scalds,  felons,  old  sores,  etc.,  it  is  the  best  thing  that 
can  be  used  to  allay  the  inflammation,  ease  the  pain 
and  heal  them  in  a  short  time. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  139 

With  Lobelia,  it  forms  an  excellent  poultice  for 
abscesses  and  boils. 

In  constipation,  dysentery,  diarrhoea  and  cholera 
infantum,  used  both  internally  and  per  rectal  injec- 
tion, it  soothes  and  relieves  the  intestinal  irritation. 
It  is  a  nutritious  demulcent,  soothing  to  the  mucous 
membrane  wherever  needed  and  quieting  to  the 
nervous  system.  In  diphtheria,  after  the  throat  has 
been  ridded  of  the  decayed  membrane,  it  is  quite  raw, 
also  during  the  scaling  process  in  scarlatina  and 
measles  and  at  times  in  typhoid  fever ;  slippery  elm  is 
then  a  very  important  agent. 

BALSAM  FIR. — Abies  Balsamea. 

This  balsam  is  obtained  from  a  tree  known  in  all 
parts  of  the  country;  it  is  taken  from  small  blisters 
which  form  in  the  bark.  It  is  of  a  very  healing 
nature,  and  is  good  to  remove  internal  soreness. 

In  cases  where  the  mucous  membrane  is  irritated 
it  should  not  be  given,  but  is  very  good  in  relaxed  and 
torpid  cases,  as  in  cystic  and  renal  congestions,  gleet, 
etc.  In  bronchial  and  pulmonary  congestions  it  is  a 
stimulating  expectorant.  It  is  an  excellent  remedy 
for  aged  persons  suffering  from  congestion  of  the 
kidneys  as  it  then  acts  as  a  kidney  tonic.  In  old 
coughs  it  is  also  excellent.  Dose :  It  should  be  given 
only  when  mixed  with  glycerine  and  honey.  One 
ounce  Balsam  Fir,  Glycerine  and  Honey,  each  four 
ounces ;  flavor  to  suit,  mix  thoroughly,  and  give  one 
teaspoonful  four  times  a  day. 


140  THE  THOMSONIAN 

GENTIAN.— Gentiana  Lutea. 

This  root  grows  wild  in  this  country,  and  is  found 
plentifully  in  Vermont.  It  was  formerly  collected 
for  exportation,  and  large  quantities  of  it  were  sent 
to  China,  where  it  was  greatly  valued. 

At  the  present  time,  the  foreign  Gentian  root  seerm 
to  be  used  most.  It  is  a  bitter  tonic,  and  as  such  it  is 
unexcelled,  although  for  mild  cases  it  should  always 
be  combined  with  less  intense  agents.  Its  chief 
action  is  upon  the  liver;  with  dyspepsia  it  is  most 
excellent.  For  ague  it  may  prove  effective  when 
other  agents  fail,  taken  for  several  hours  before  the 
chill,  in  hourly  doses  of  one-half  teaspoonful  of  the 
tincture  with  a  little  Capsicum.  Gentian  will  also 
promote  appetite  and  digestion,  stimulate  the  circu- 
lation, thoroughly  toning  the  digestive  organs,  and  is 
especially  valuable  in  languid  conditions  and  in  that 
of  general  debility.  It  gives  the  best  results  in  bilious- 
ness and  jaundice.  It  is  a  good  vermifuge.  In  sensi- 
tive stomachs  it  should  be  given  in  very  small  doses 
as  it  is  intensely  bitter  and  in  large  doses  might  cause 
nausea.  Dose  is  from  10  to  30  minims. 

BUTTERNUT. — Juglans  Cinerea. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  tree  grows  common  in  this  country,  and  is 
well  known  from  the  nut  which  it  bears,  of  an  oblong 
shape  and  nearly  as  large  as  an  egg,  in  which  is  a 
meat  containing  much  oil,  and  very  good  to  eat.  The 
inner  bark  of  this  tree  is  used  by  the  country  people 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  141 

to  color  with.  The  bark  taken  from  the  body  of  the 
tree  or  roots,  and  boiled  down  till  thick,  may  be  made 
into  pills,  and  operate  as  a  powerful  emetic  and 
cathartic;  a  syrup  may  be  made  by  boiling  the  bark 
and  adding  one-third  molasses  and  a  little  spirit, 
which  is  good  to  give  children  for  worm  complaints. 
The  buds  and  twigs  may  also  be  used  for  the  same 
purpose,  and  are  more  mild,  (i) 

BUTTERNUT. — Juglans  Cinerea. 

(Dr.  Greer.) 

The  inner  bark  of  the  white  walnut  tree  has  an  im- 
portant place  in  the  Materia  Medica.  Its  principal 
use  is  as  a  physic,  and  in  that  respect  it  is  exceedingly 
valuable  on  account  of  its  mild  action  and  the  tonic 
impression  left  upon  the  structures  of  the  bowels.  Its 
chief  influence  is  exerted  upon  the  lower  bowels,  and 
for  that  reason  it  cannot  be  excelled  for  prolapsus  and 
constipation  due  to  a  sluggish  condition  of  the  large 
bowels.  It  is  best  administered  in  the  form  of  syrup 
made  by  slowly  boiling  a  pound  of  the  bark  in  water 
and  evaporating  to  one  pint  and  adding  two  pounds 
of  sugar;  dose,  a  teaspoonful.  Butternut  syrup  is  a 
valuable  physic  for  use  in  protracted  febrile  diseases. 

(2) 

Juglans  Cinerea. 

(Dr.  Lyle.) 

The  inner  bark  of  the  root  is  more  active  than  that 
of  the  trunk,  but  both  are  used.  It  yields  its  proper- 
ties to  boiling  water,  except  its  astringency,  which 


142  THE  THOMSONIAN 

property  is  yielded  when  alcohol  is  the  menstruum 
used  instead  of  boiling  water. 

Juglans  is  an  active  stimulating  hepatic  and  cathar- 
tic. It  relieves  the  portal  system,  disgorges  the  liver 
and  cleanses  the  bowels.  For  catharsis  it  usually 
takes  from  four  to  eight  hours,  according  to  the  dose 
given. 

Juglans  Cinerea  tones  the  entire  alvine  mucous 
membrane,  but  especially  that  of  the  lower  bowels, 
influencing  peristalcis.  The  alcoholic  fluid  extract 
may  be  used  in  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  It  cleanses 
the  surface  and  leaves  the  parts  toned  and  astringed. 
The  aqueous  extract  being  free  from  this  astringency 
may  be  used  to  relieve  chronic  constipation.  It  is  in 
this  sphere  one  of  the  most  valuable  preparations.  In 
relieving  the  portal  circulation  it  also  relieves  hemorr- 
hoids and  rectal  hemorrhages. 

In  dysentery,  in  small  doses,  it  cleanses  the  bowels, 
relieves  the  portal  circulation  and  tones  the  mucous 
membranes. 

To  prepare  the  syrup  of  Juglans,  gather  your  bark 
from  the  fifth  to  the  twentieth  of  April  in  the  country. 
It  is  then  strongest.  Crush  or  chop  fine.  Then  boil 
till  quite  strong  and  pour  off  and  cover  a  second  and 
third  time  to  completely  exhaust  the  strength  of  the 
drug.  Then  boil  all  together  and  evaporate  to  three- 
fourth  or  equality  of  one  pint  per  pound  of  bark. 
Then  for  each  twelve  ounces  add  alcohol,  two  ounces, 
and  sugar,  four  ounces. 

It  is  well  adapted  to  the  treatment  of  skin  erup- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  143 

tions.  It  is  a  tonic  to  both  mucous  membrane  and 
dermoid  tissue  and  slightly  increases  the  action  of  the 
kidneys.  It  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  agents  in  the 
whole  materia  medica.  It  relieves  the  liver,  proves 
gently  cathartic  and  leaves  the  bowels  soluble  and 
toned.  These  are  qualities  that  can  be  accorded  to 
but  few  agents.  By  the  use  of  this  agent  the  faeces 
becomes  more  or  less  darkened.  (3) 

i  VIRGINIA  SNAKEROOT. — Aristolochia  Serpentaria. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  is  a  well  known  article,  grows  wild,  and  may 
be  found  in  most  parts  of  the  country.  It  is  of  a  hot 
nature,  and  is  made  much  use  of  in  tea  for  measles 
and  other  eruptions  to  keep  the  disorder  out,  for 
which  it  is  considered  very  good ;  this  is  owing  to  its 
warming  qualities,  which  keep  the  determining 
powers  to  the  surface,  which  effect  may  be  produced 
by  almost  any  strong-  stimulant,  but  the  No.  2  is  the 
best  for  the  purpose.  A  tea  made  of  this  root  may  be 
given  to  advantage  in  many  cases  of  disease ;  it  has  a 
tendency  to  promote  perspiration,  and  is  good  to  re- 
move pain  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  expel  wind. 

It  is  stimulating  to  the  mucous  membrane  through- 
out and  large  and  frequent  doses  may  prove  irritating, 
especially  if  the  alvine  canal  be  already  more  or  less 
irritated.  In  such  cases  more  soothing  agents  will  be 
better.  But  in  languid  and  sluggish  conditions  it 
arouses  promptly  and  fully. 


144  THE  THOM80NIAN 

In  eruptive  diseases,  before  the  appearance  of  the 
full  eruption,  it  is  excellent,  especially  in  languid  con- 
ditions ;  but  where  milder  agents  will  do  the  work,  it 
is  best  to  use  them. 

In  the  treatment  of  nettle  rash  or  rhus  poisoning, 
give  freely  and  fully  for  a  few  hours  and  then  stop. 

Its  influence  is  primarily  towards  the  surface,  but 
soon  its  influence  is  felt  by  the  whole  arterial  system, 
and  the  heart's  impulse  becomes  stronger  and  fuller. 
By  its  stimulating  action  upon  the  arterial  side  of  the 
circulation  and  the  whole  nervous  system  is  aroused 
by  its  influence.  Even  the  uterus  feels  its  influence 
and  its  use  is  valuable  for  the  relief  of  colds  suppress- 
ing the  periods. 

Given  during  parturition,  when  the  feet  are  cold  and 
there  is  a  general  receding  of  blood  from  the  surface 
and  where  the  pains  are  inefficient,  this  agent  will 
have  an  excellent  influence.  It  will  also  anticipate 
flooding. 

Cold  preparations  quite  freely  influence  the  kidneys 
and  relieve  congestion  and  renal  torpor. 

It  is  best  to  use  this  agent  thoroughly  and  then 
discontinue  its  use  for  some  time. 

MUSTARD. — Sinapsis,  also  Sinapsis  Alba  and  Nigra. 

Ordinary  mustard  has  long  been  employed  as  a 
plaster  wherever  it  is  desirable  to  quickly  draw  the 
circulation  outward  or  away  from  the  head  or  other 
congested  portions  of  the  body.  For  such  purposes 
one  part  of  mustard  and  four  parts  of  wheat  flour 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  145 

made  into  a  paste  with  warm  water  will  be  sufficient. 
This  should  be  spread  over  muslin  and  applied  for  not 
longer  than  an  hour,  as  a  blister  is  liable  to  follow. 
Stronger  plasters  may  be  prepared  for  more  urgent 
cases.  An  infusion  of  mustard  in  a  bucket  of  water  is 
excellent  for  a  foot  bath  when  it  is  desired  to  call  the 
blood  from  the  brain,  lungs,  etc.  Mustard  emetics 
are  quickly  effective  in  cases  of  poisoning.  A  tea- 
spoonful  of  mustard  to  a  large  teacupful  of  boiling 
water,  drank  in  one  dose,  will  usually  be  followed 
promptly  by  vomiting,  especially  if  the  finger  is  thrust 
into  the  throat. 

Lobelia  with  some  Capsicum  is  by  far  preferable  to 
mustard  for  the  purpose  and  the  after  effects  are  not 
as  bad.  In  using  mustard  plaster,  never  blister  the 
skin.  To  do  so  is  harmful  to  say  the  least. 

BALM  OF  GILEAD. — Populus  Balsamifera. 

The  fragrant  brown  buds  of  the  balsam  poplar  tree 
are  by  many  highly  prized  as  a  remedial  agent,  their 
medicinal  properties  being  due  to  their  fragrant 
resinous  constituents. 

Balm  of  Gilead  is  classed  as  a  stimulating  ex- 
pectorant, and  is  very  useful  in  old  coughs  where  the 
lungs  are  feeble  and  unable  to  throw  off  accumula- 
tions in  the  air  passages.  Half  an  ounce  of  them  in 
the  ordinary  alcoholic  tincture  is  sufficient  to  add  to 
a  pint  of  cough  syrup.  An  infusion  cannot  be  made, 
as  the  resinous  substance  is  not  acted  upon  by  water 
alone.  The  use  of  Balm  of  Gilead  would  not  be  ad- 
visable in  irritable  conditions  of  the  lungs. 

10 


146  THE  THOMSONIAN 

BLUE  AND  WHITE  VERVINE. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

VERVAIN. — Verbena  Hastata. 
(Dr.  Greer.) 

BLUE  VERVAIN.—  Verbena  Hastata. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

This  is  a  well-known  herb,  growing  very  common ; 
it  ranks  next  to  the  Emetic  Herb  for  an  Emetic,  and 
may  be  used  for  that  purpose  either  alone  or  com- 
bined with  Thoroughwort.  It  is  good  to  prevent  a 
fever  in  its  first  stages.  This  herb  has  been  used  with 
considerable  success  in  consumption,  curing  cases 
which  other  remedies  failed  to  cure.  It  may  be  used 
in  a  tea  made  of  the  dry  herb,  or  prepared  in  powder 
like  the  Emetic  Herb,  (i) 

This  is  the  ordinary  blue  vervain  common  to  all 
sections.  An  ounce  of  the  herb  makes  a  strong  in- 
fusion, to  be  used  freely  in  old  cases  of  ague.  It  is 
intensely  bitter,  and  has  a  strong  influence  upon  the 
liver  and  stomach.  Made  into  a  syrup  with  twice  its 
amount  of  Wahoo  and  Butternut,  it  constitutes  a 
valuable  preparation  for  chronic  constipation  in 
malarial  difficulties.  (2) 

This  plant  is  a  bitter  relaxing  and  stimulating 
nervine.  In  hot  infusion  it  influences  a  good  circula- 
tion toward  the  capillaries  and  soothes  the  nervous 
system  throughout.  The  liver,  gall  ducts  and 
bowels  are  all  influenced  by  it.  It  gives  favorable 
results  in  billiousness,  periodic  bilious  attacks,  and  is 


SYSTEM  OP  MEDICINE  147 

somewhat  anti-periodic.  Boiling  destroys  consider- 
able of  its  stimulating  quality  and  leaves  it  a  relaxing 
nervine.  (3)  Dose  is  from  15  to  30  drops. 

PIPSISWAY,  OR  RHEUMATIC  WEED. 

(Dr.  Thomson.) 
PIPSISSEWA. — PRINCE'S  PINE. — Chimaphila. 

(Dr.  Greer.) 

PIPSISSEWA. — Chimaphilla  Umbeltata. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

This  herb  grows  on  mountains,  and  on  pine  plains 
where  the  Boxberry  or  Checkerberry  is  found.  It  is 
an  evergreen,  and  grows  from  three  to  six  inches 
high,  has  a  number  of  dark  green  leaves  about  half 
an  inch  wide  and  from  one  to  two  inches  long,  with  a 
scolloped  edge;  bears  several  brown  seeds  resembling 
allspice.  The  tops  and  roots  are  used  for  medicine. 
The  roots,  when  chewed,  are  very  pungent,  and  will 
be  felt  for  several  hours  on  the  tongue  as  though 
burnt.  A  strong  tea  made  of  this  plant  is  good  for 
cancer  and  all  scrofulous  humors,  by  drinking  the  tea 
and  bathing  with  it  the  parts  affected,  (i) 

This  is  a  well  known  evergreen  herb,  growing  wild 
in  the  woods,  and  frequently  spoken  of  as  ground 
holly.  As  a  remedy  for  dropsy  and  kidney  troubles 
it  has  long  enjoyed  a  good  reputation.  Its  peculiar 
tonic  and  alterative  properties,  combined  with  a 
small  amount  of  astringency,  render  it  valuable  in 
weakness  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder.  Combined  with 


148  THE  THOMSONIAN 

poke  berries  and  American  sarsaparilla,  as  a  syrup, 
with  a  little  citrate  of  lithia  added,  it  is  most  excellent 
in  rheumatism.  A  small  amount  of  pipsissewa  added 
to  the  compound  syrup  of  yellow  dock  will  add  to  the 
efficiency  of  that  preparation  in  scrofulous  and  other 
blood  troubles,  where  the  urinary  organs  are  par- 
ticularly weak.  (2) 

The  leaves  are  a  mild  stimulating  and  relaxing 
alterative,  influencing  especially  the  glandular  system, 
the  lymphatics  and  secrements. 

As  a  good  cleansing  agent  it  carries  off  effete 
matter  and  relieves  the  liver,  kidneys  and  skin.  In 
scrofula  it  is  one  of  the  best  agents.  Should  be  used 
very  freely. 

In  phthisis  and  cancer  it  assists  much  in  the  relief 
of  the  blood  current  from  impurities  and  waste 
material.  In  dropsy  it  relieves  and  tones  the  kidneys. 
In  gonorrhoea  it  is  soothing  to  the  mucous  membrane 
and  cleansing  to  the  blood  current.  In  syphilis  it  is 
of  no  little  importance,  but  in  certain  stages,  may 
have  to  be  combined  with  more  stimulating  agents. 
It  is  also  useful  in  vaginal  and  uterine  weakness,  and 
in  leucorrhoea;  in  rheumatism,  especially  when  it 
arises  from  some  impurities  of  the  blood;  in  cystic 
catarrh,  spermatorrhoea,  typhoid  and  other  fevers ; 
in  urinary  obstructions,  and  coughs  and  colds.  It  is 
valuable  not  only  for  its  alterative  influence  but  for 
its  diuretic  action  in  cleansing  the  mucous  membrane 
of  accumulated  solids  or  mucous.  Combined  with 
uterine  tonic  it  does  well  in  leucorrhoea  and  gonor- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  149 

rhoea.  In  depressed  and  very  debilitated  cases  it  is 
best  that  more  stimulating  agents  be  added.  Com- 
bined with  syrup  macrotys  you  have  a  good  remedy 
for  coughs  and  colds.  (3) 

Go LD EN-Ro D. — Solidago  Canadensis. 

This  herb  may  be  found  common  on  pine  plains  in 
hedges;  it  grows  about  two  or  three  feet  high,  has 
long,  narrow  leaf,  very  smooth  and  glossy,  and  a  large 
cluster  of  yellow  blossoms ;  it  has  a  sweet,  spicy  taste 
and  smell,  resembling  fennel  or  ainse.  There  is  an 
oil  obtained  from  this  herb  good  for  medicine,  and 
also  prepared  in  essence  is  good  for  pain  in  the  head, 
to  be  taken,  or  the  outside  bathed  with  it. 

The  leaves  and  flowers  are  a  stimulating  and 
slightly  astringent  tonic  antiseptic  to  the  mucous 
membrane.  It  is  a  sanative  germicide,  and  is  valuable 
in  the  presence  of  putrescence,  as  in  diphtheria,  scar- 
latina, tonsilitis,  pharyngitis  or  laryngitis.  It  may  be 
boiled  down  and  made  into  confection  or  troche  with 
sugar,  suitable  for  sore  throat  of  all  kinds  for  children 
and  adults. 

In  catarrh,  and  especially  in  lagrippe,  Solidago  is 
very  valuable.  It  cures  quickly  and  completely.  It 
may  be  used  alone  in  hot  infusion,  or  in  combination 
with  other  suitable  agents. 

In  typhoid  fever  it  stimulates  and  cleanses  the 
alvine  mucous  membrane  very  successfully. 

In  phthisis  pulmonalis  and  bronchial  catarrh  it  is 
of  much  value,  especially  when  added  to  other  agents 

10a 


150  THE  THOMSONIAN 


influencing  the  respiratory  organs.  Dose  of  the  tinc- 
ture is  from  30  to  60  minims.  Can  be  given  in  hot  or 
cold  water  as  indicated. 

YELLOW-DOCK. — Rumex  Crispus. 

The  root  of  this  plant  is  well  known  as  being  made 
into  ointment  for  the  itch.  The  roots  should  be 
bruised  fine  in  a  mortar  and  put  into  a  basin;  add 
enough  cream  to  make  an  ointment,  keep  it  warm  for 
twelve  hours,  but  be  careful  not  to  scald  it.  Rub  it 
on  at  night  when  going  to  bed.  Three  times  using  it 
will  generally  effect  a  cure.  The  foregoing  described 
ointment,  together  with  No.  3  and  the  No.  6,  prepared 
with  the  spirits  of  turpentine,  will  be  sufficient  to  cure 
any  case  of  this  complaint. 

The  dried  root  of  this  common  weed  is  a  most  ex- 
cellent agent  to  use  in  diseases  of  the  blood  and 
glandular  system,  and  is  very  valuable  in  scrofula, 
especially  when  discharges  are  free,  as  in  running  of 
the  ear  or  ulcerated  eyelids.  It  may  be  used  as  an 
infusion,  but  is  best  when  combined  with  other 
remedies.  It  is  not  only  good  in  scrofula,  but  in  all 
skin  diseases,  syphilis,  etc. 

The  dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  30  to  60  minims. 

PRICKLY  ASH. — Xanthoxylum  Fraxineum. 
(Drs.  Thomson,  Greer  and  Lyle.) 

This  is  a  shrub  or  bush  that  grows  in  the  Western 
country,  and  is  well  known  by  the  people  there.  It 
grows  from  eight  to  twelve  feet  high,  and  bears  a 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  151 

berry  that  grows  close  to  the  limbs ;  it  has  leaves  like 
the  white  ash.  The  bark  and  the  berries  are  used  for 
medical  purposes.  The  berries  are  very  pungent,  and 
are  a  powerful  stimulent,  as  also  the  bark  of  the  top 
and  roots,  though  not  so  strong.  It  should  be 
pounded  to  a  powder  and  steeped  in  hot  water,  then 
put  into  wine  or  spirit,  and  it  makes  a  very  good  hot 
bitters.  Take  half  a  glass  two  or  three  times  a  day ; 
it  is  good  for  fever  and  ague,  for  which  it  is  much 
used,  and  for  lethargy  or  sleepiness,  and  for  cold  feet 
and  hands,  and  other  complaints  caused  by  cold,  (i) 

This  agent  is  a  decided  stimulant,  and  in  power 
rates  about  midway  between  ginger  and  Capsicum, 
although  used  more  generally  in  sub-acute  and 
chronic  cases  where  persistent  stimulation  is  needed. 
It  enters  into  many  standard  preparations,  and  is 
much  valued  in  rheumatism.  The  infusion  is  prepared 
by  using  about  one-fourth  of  a  teaspoonful  of  the 
powder  to  a  large  cup  of  boiling  water.  The  fluid 
extract  may  be  obtained,  and  is  the  best  form  used  to 
add  to  syrups.  Prickly  ash  will  increase  the  flow  of 
saliva  and  moisten  the  dry  tongue  found  in  liver 
troubles.  An  irritable  stomach  will  not  kindly  receive 
prickly  ash,  which  may  even  provoke  vomiting  in 
sensitive  persons.  (2) 

The  bark  is  a  positive,  diffusive  stimulant,  especially 
inducing  a  good,  free  capillary  and  arterial  circula- 
tion. It  is  a  valuable  addition  to  alteratives  and  to 
diaphoretics.  It  warms  the  stomach,  arouses  the 
skin,  and  stimulates  the  salivary  glands,  the  lym- 


152  THE  THOMSONIAN 

phatics  and  the  serous  and  mucous  membrane.  It  is 
a  valuable  addition  in  all  chronic  affections,  rheuma- 
tism, neuralgia  and  wherever  the  skin  and  extremities 
are  cold. 

The  seeds  or  berries  are  slightly  more  stimulating 
than  the  bark.  In  cases  of  a  dry  tongue  and  mucous 
surfaces  use  this  agent  and  if  need  be  add  a  little 
Lobelia.  It  is  one  of  the  best  things  in  the  world.  It 
acts  slower  than  Capsicum  but  its  effects  are  more 
permanent.  Give  it  in  small  and  frequent  doses. 
Dose  of  tincture  of  either  bark  or  berries  is  from  10 
to  30  minims. 

BITTER  THISTLE. 
(Dr.  Thomson.) 

This  herb  is  a  species  of  the  thistle,  and  is  culti- 
vated in  gardens.  It  is  of  one  year's  growth,  the  seed 
being  sown  in  the  spring,  and  it  comes  to  maturity  in 
the  fall.  The  stalk  has  a  number  of  branches,  and  a 
great  quantity  of  leaves.  The  leaf  is  some  larger 
than  the  Canada  thistle,  with  prickles  like  it,  and  it 
bears  seeds  about  the  size  of  the  barley  corn,  with  a 
beard  on  the  end,  nearly  as  long  as  the  seed.  The 
leaves  are  used  for  medicine,  which  may  be  steeped 
in  hot  water,  and  drank  like  other  herb  tea,  or  they 
may  be  reduced  to  powder  and  taken  in  molasses  or 
warm  water,  or  in  wine  or  spirits.  It  is  an  excellent 
corrector  of  the  bile,  and  may  be  safely  used  for  the 
purpose.  The  Cardis  Benedictus,  or  beloved  thistle, 
is  cultivated  in  the  same  manner,  and  may  be  used  for 
the  same  purpose. 


SYSTEM  OP  MEDICINE  153 

ARCHANGEL. — Archangelica  Officinalis. 

This  herb  grows  wild  in  wet  land,  and  may  be  often 
found  among  the  grass,  and  at  the  edges  of  plough 
fields.  It  grows  from  four  to  twelve  inches  high ;  the 
leaves  are  rather  smaller  than  mint  leaves ;  it  bears  a 
kind  of  bur  containing  seed,  which  grows  round  the 
stalk  at  each  joint.  There  are  two  kinds  which  grow 
near  each  other;  they  look  very  much  alike,  but  are 
very  different  in  taste.  One  is  very  bitter  and  the 
other  has  no  bitter  taste,  but  is  very  rough  and  of  a 
balsamic  taste.  They  may  be  used  together  in  a  tea 
or  syrup,  and  answer  two  important  purposes;  the 
rough  removes  the  canker,  and  the  bitter  is  a  cor- 
rector of  the  bile.  By  adding  No.  2,  the  compound 
contains  the  three  great  principles  of  the  healing  art, 
viz :  hot,  rough  and  bitter. 

These  remedies  are  of  great  value  in  the  menstrual 
flow  and  in  dysmenorrhoea.  It  is  a  uterine  anti- 
spasmodic.  Dose  of  tincture,  15  to  30  minims. 

DEWBERRY. — ' Rubus  Procumbeus. 
(Dr.  Comfort.) 

The  root  of  the  Dewberry,  and  also  that  of  the 
blackberry  plant,  may  be  used  as  a  substitute  for 
Bayberry,  or  Sumac,  in  dysentery  and  in  bowel  com- 
plaints in  general. 

Dose,  same  as  the  Bayberry.  The  Dewberry  is 
also  known  officially  as  Rubus  Canadensis. 


154  THE  THOMSONIAN 

CROW-FOOT. — CRANE'S  BILL. — Geranium  Maculatum. 
(Dr.  Comfort.) 

CRANE'S  BILL. — Geranium  Maculatum. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

This  plant  may  be  found  in  many  sections  of  this 
country.  The  root  possesses  actively  astringent 
qualities.  A  decoction  of  this  root  has  been  used  by 
injection  with  benefit  in  long  standing  venereal  dis- 
ease and  fluor  albus.  The  root  boiled  in  milk  is  a 
good  remedy  in  bowel  complaints  of  children,  more 
especially  when  the  disease  has  continued  several 
days,  and  the  patient's  tongue  not  dry,  and  there  be 
absence  of  fever,  (i) 

The  root  is  a  pleasant,  positive,  tonic  astringent. 
It  is  only  moderately  drying,  but  is  persistent  and 
effective.  It  is  one  of  our  most  excellent  astringent 
agents.  Its  chief  influence  is  expended  upon  the 
alvine  mucous  membrane  throughout.  It  is  appli- 
cable in  the  treatment  of  sore  mouth  or  gums,  mer- 
curial salivation,  spongy  gums,  catarrhal  ophthalmia, 
leucorrhoea,  gleet,  dysentery,  diarrhoea. 

It  is  a  good  local  and  constitutional  styptic  for 
hemorrhages  from  the  nose,  lungs,  stomach,  bowels, 
or  uterus. 

In  typhoid  fever  in  case  of  excessive  discharges, 
whether  faecal  or  sanious,  this  agent  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable.  The  addition  of  a  little  Capsicum  will 
at  times  be  valuable. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  US 

Diluted  with  water,  or  combined  with  Comp.  syr. 
rhei.,  this  agent  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  in  the 
treatment  of  severe  cases  of  cholera  infantum.  (2) 

Geraniin  is  the  alkoloid  of  this  agent,  but  is  not  as 
much  value  as  the  tincture  of  Geranium. 

Geranium  Maculatum  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
and  yet  the  least  known  of  American  indigenous 
remedies.  There  are  few  remedies  which  possess  a 
wider  range  of  usefulness,  and  which  are  so  devoid  of 
harmful  properties.  In  all  forms  of  hemorrhage, 
whether  internal  or  external,  hemoptysis  can  usually 
be  promptly  arrested  by  drachm  doses  of  the  tincture, 
given  hourly  until  the  attack  subsides.  Relapse  may 
be  prevented  by  continuing  the  same  dose  at  longer 
intervals  for  three  or  four  days.  Hematemesis  may 
be  effectually  controled  in  the  same  manner  after  the 
whole  array  of  styptics  have  failed.  In  hemorrhage 
from  the  kidneys  and  the  intestinal  canal,  better  re- 
sults can  be  obtained  from  the  administration  of 
smaller  doses,  twenty  drops  four  times  a  day,  for  an 
extended  period.  This  is  the  only  practical  way  of 
using  it  in  chronic  cases.  Epistaxis  may  be  speedily 
checked  by  plugging  the  nostrils  with  cotton  dipped 
in  a  solution  composed  of  one  part  of  the  tincture  of 
Geranium  and  three  parts  of  water,  or  by  syringing 
the  nasal  passage  with  the  same  solutian.  Hemorr- 
hage resulting  from  the  extraction  of  a  tooth  can 
invariably  be  promptly  arrested  by  filling  the  socket 
with  a  piece  of  cotton  saturated  with  the  undiluted 
tincture  of  Geranium  and  applying  firm  pressure  for 


156  THE  THOMSONIAN 

a  few  minutes.  Menorrhagia  can  be  most  effectually 
abated  by  the  internal  administration  of  Geranium 
combined  with  vaginal  injections  of  the  same  remedy. 

In  hemorrhage  of  the  stomach,  half  to  one  drachm 
doses  will  often  relieve  after  the  physician  has  given 
all  other  remedies  at  his  command.  In  severe  bleed- 
ing of  the  nose  there  is  no  remedy  that  will  equal  it. 
Use  a  small  syringe  and  drive  the  fluid  preparation — 
clear  or  diluted,  as  the  case  demands — into  the  nasal 
cavity,  or,  if  necessary,  the  tampon  saturated  with  the 
extract  may  be  used. 

Where  there  is  pain  and  distress  from  gastric 
ulcers,  Geranium  will  relieve,  and  in  many  instances 
cure,  the  trouble.  In  cases  of  pulmonary  hemorr- 
hages it  is  a  remedy,  in  doses  of  a  drachm ;  after  its 
action  has  been  brought  out,  it  may  be  given  in  doses 
of  ten  to  fifteen  drops,  three  or  four  times  a  day,  to 
guard  against  the  hemorrhages  returning. 

It  is  a  remedy  in  menorrhagin.  Here  it  is  giving 
good  results  in  combination  with  Viburnum  Opulus. 
In  a  solution  of  five  or  ten  per  cent.,  used  as  an  in- 
jection, it  will  cure  acute  dysentery.  In  consumption, 
it  will  modify  the  night-sweats  and  cough,  and  control 
the  diarrhoea  that  is  often  annoying  and  always 
weakening  to  the  patient.  In  postpartum  hemorr- 
hage it  is  valuable. 

In  the  treatment  of  chronic  bronchitis,  by  its  action 
in  condensing  the  relaxed  bronchial  membrane,  we 
check  the  cough  and  profuse  expectoration,  and 
thereby  strengthen  the  patient. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  157 

In  the  bad  stomach  of  hard  drinkers  we  find  an 
admirable  place  for  Geranium.  Relaxation  of  the 
ulva  is  relieved  by  the  application  of  the  strong 
preparation.  Chronic  gonorrhoea  and  gleet  are 
cured  by  the  local  use  of  a  ten  to  twenty-five  per  cent, 
solution.  It  is  valuable  in  the  treatment  of  sore 
mouth,  either  mercurial  or  other.  Use  diluted  as  a 
wash.  In  the  treatment  of  leuchorrhoea,  where  there 
is  a  relaxed  and  atonic  condition,  make  a  tampon  of 
surgical  wool,  and  after  saturating  with  the  strong 
extract,  push  up  against  the  uterus.  In  uterine 
catarrh  and  relaxed  conditions  it  is  a  good  remedy. 
In  prolapsus  of  the  bowels,  wet  the  protruding  parts 
with  the  strong  non-alcoholic  fluid  and  inject  twenty- 
five  per  cent,  solution  into  the  bowels  three  or  four 
times  a  week.  The  same  treatment  will  cure  many 
cases  of  recent  hemorrhoids.  It  is  very  good  for 
nasal  polypus  by  injecting  them  with  the  tincture. 
The  polypoid  growth  will  degenerate  and  drop  out 
after  a  few  days. 

I  have  taken  many  uterine  cases,  such  as  bleeding 
from  the  bladder,  bleeding  from  the  uterus,  etc.,  that 
the  very  best  physicians  and  surgeons  in  the  country 
had  treated,  and  cured  them  after  they  had  failed  with 
their  treatment.  A  young  lady  came  to  me  who  had 
been  bleeding  steadily  from  the  uterus  for  six  months. 
The  loss  of  blood  was  as  great  during  all  that  time  as 
it  was  during  the  regular  monthly  period.  She  was 
forced  to  wear  bandages  at  all  times  and  could  do  no 
work.  She  had  had  three  operations  before  she  came 


158  THE  THOMSONIAN 

to  me,  the  surgeons  claiming  that  it  was  Polypus  of 
the  uterus,  but  with  no  results.  I  put  her  on  Ger- 
anium, four  times  a  day  and  gave  treatments  with  the 
same,  to  the  womb  every  second  day.  She  was  cured 
within  a  few  weeks.  I  am  frank  to  say  that  I  believe 
that  there  is  no  remedy  in  the  whole  Materia  Medica 
that  is  of  equal  value  to  Geranium. 

If  Dr.  Thomson  made  use  of  this  remedy,  I  do  not 
know  of  it  nor  am  I  able  to  find  anything  concerning 
it  in  any  of  his  works.  Dr.  Comfort  did  use  it,  but  it 
is  doubtful  that  he  knew  its  real  value  as  he  says  but 
very  little  about  it. 

PERUVIAN  BARK. — Cinchona  Officinalis. 

(Dr.  Comfort.) 

The  genuine  Peruvian  bark  is  one  of  the  most 
effective  tonics  ever  employed  for  the  cure  of  inter- 
mitting fever  or  ague.  It  may  be  used  as  a  general 
tonic  in  all  cases  where  the  use  of  this  class  of  medi- 
cine is  indicated.  As  a  general  rule  powerful  tonics 
should  not  be  employed  in  the  first  stage  of  disease 
attended  with  fever  and  a  dry  coated  tongue.  Under 
these  circumstances  bitters,  unless  combined  with  a 
large  portion  of  Capsicum,  would  repress  rather  than 
promote  the  secretions,  and  aggravate  the  disease. 
When  by  the  free  use  of  Capsicum  and  other  appro- 
priate remedies  the  secretions  are  restored,  the  tongue 
cleaning  and  the  skin  warm  and  disposed  to  perspira- 
tion, then  Peruvian  bark  or  other  tonics  may  be  em- 
ployed with  advantage. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  159 

Peruvian  bark  is  rendered  more  efficient  as  a  tonic 
by  combining  it  with  Virginia  snake  root,  cloves  and 
Capsicum.  I  frequently  mix  equal  parts  of  Peruvian 
bark  and  spice  bitters,  and  have  always  found  it  a 
good  preparation. 

A  tea  made  of  equal  parts  of  Peruvian  bark  and 
liquorice  root  is  a  good  remedy  for  colic  in  infants, 
more  especially  where  the  spells  of  colic  are  observed 
to  come  on  periodically. 

The  title  Jesuit's  Bark  has  been  applied  to  the 
Peruvian  bark,  from  the  circumstance  of  the  Jesuits 
having  had  the  chief  control  of  the  sale  of  the  article 
during  its  first  introduction  into  use  in  Europe  about 
the  year  1640.  It  is  not  known  whether  they  really 
introduced  it  into  Europe,  but  if  they  did,  it  was  about 
the  only  good  thing  they  ever  did. 

There  are  three  species  of  Peruvian  bark  imported 
to  this  country,  the  pale,  yellow  and  red.  These  are 
now  officially  known  as  Cinchona  Officinalis  (pale), 
Cinchona  Calisaya  (yellow),  Cinchona  Succurubra  (red). 
At  one  time  the  red  bark  was  esteemed  the  most 
valuable.  This  induced  druggists  to  convert  other 
species  into  red  bark  by  adulterations  which  so  ma- 
terially lessened  the  efficacy  of  the  bark  that  at  one 
period  the  red  bark  was  little  used.  Each  species  of 
bark  above  mentioned  is  efficient  as  a  tonic,  provided 
it  be  free  from  adulterations. 

Peruvian  bark  is  most  active  when  taken  in  sub- 
stance, mixed  with  some  liquid,  as  a  tea  of  spice 
bitters,  Virginia  snake  root,  a  solution  of  licquorice, 


160  THE  THOMSONIAN 

or  simply  with  water.  The  unpleasant  taste  of  the 
bark  will  scarcely  be  perceived  when  it  is  taken  in  a 
solution  of  liquorice. 

When  the  bark  cannot  be  taken  in  substance  its 
virtues  may  be  extracted  by  boiling  water,  and  taken 
in  decoction.  A  small  portion  of  orange  peel, 
liquorice  root,  or  spice,  added,  will  improve  the  flavor 
of  the  tea ;  and  where  there  is  acidity  of  the  stomach 
a  portion  of  the  sup.  carbonate  of  soda  should  be 
added. 

Peruvian  bark  is  often  taken  in  wine,  and  with  the 
most  happy  effects  in  many  instances,  as  in  recovery 
from  disease  where  the  strength  of  the  patient  has 
been  much  exhausted. 

Dose :  The  quantity  of  bark  taken  at  a  time  varies 
from  that  of  a  teaspoonsul  to  an  ounce.  Whilst  some 
recommend  it  in  small  doses,  repeated  every  hour  or 
two,  others  direct  an  ounce  to  be  taken  at  once.  More 
especially  is  it  recommended  to  be  taken  in  large 
doses,  in  cases  of  intermitting  fever  where  by  a  proper 
course  of  treatment  the  system  is  placed  in  a  con- 
dition that  warrants  the  free  use  of  tonics. 

When  Peruvian  bark  or  quinine  is  used,  all  astrin- 
gents medicine,  viz:  bayberry,  sumac,  No.  3,  pills, 
etc.,  must  be  laid  aside  at  the  time,  as  the  tannin  and 
gallic  acid  in  the  astringents  form  an  insoluble  com- 
pound with  the  active  principles  of  the  bark,  render- 
ing it  inert.  Astringents  may  be  used  in  the  forenoon 
and  barks  in  the  afternoon,  or  vice  versa. 

Three  important   indications  in  the  treatment  of 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  161 

disease  are:  ist.  To  restore  the  natural  warmth  of 
the  system.  2nd.  To  cleanse  the  stomach  and  bowels 
of  "canker,"  or  morbid  secretions ;  and  3rd.  To  re- 
store digestion.  The  first  requires  the  use  of  pure 
stimulants,  and  sometimes  the  application  of  the 
vapor  bath;  the  second,  the  use  of  astringents  and 
detergents ;  and  the  third,  tonics.  Hence  the  general 
indications  for  the  use  of  tonics  is  when  the  secretions 
are  restored  and  the  stomach  and  bowels  cleansed  of 
"canker." 

The  majority  of  the  Herbalists  and  Physio-Medical 
physicians  condemn  Quinia  or  Peruvian  bark  as  bad 
results  follow  the  use  of  it  in  so  many  cases,  and  I 
have  yet  to  learn  of  a  single  case  in  which  it  was  given 
by  the  "regulars"  where  it  did  not  cause  a  fearful 
headache  and  ruin  the  liver.  The  reason  for  this  is 
not  in  the  remedy,  but  in  the  way  that  it  was  made  use 
of.  By  following  the  foregoing  very  plain  instruc- 
tions for  its  use,  the  physician  can  make  no  mistake 
and  he  will  be  sure  to  get  the  good  results  from  its 
use  that  he  is  looking  for.  The  dose  of  Quinine  is 
from  one  to  ten  grains. 

Quinine  is  the  active  principle  of  Peruvian  bark, 
and  may  be  used  as  a  substitute  for  the  bark.  Quinine 
has  sometimes  been  discovered  to  be  adulterated  with 
starch,  stearin,  sulphate  of  lime  and  sugar.  There 
are  means,  however,  of  detecting  adulterations  of 
quinine,  for  a  knowledge  of  which  the  reader  is  re- 
ferred to  the  U.  S.  Dispensatory. 

Quinine  is  usually  taken  in  the  form  of  pills.    Eight 

11 


162  THE  THOMSONIAN 

quinine  pills  of  the  usual  size  are  supposed  to  be 
equivalent  to  an  ounce  of  Peruvian  bark.  A  pill  to 
contain  a  grain  of  quinine  (equal  to  a  drachm  of  bark) 
must  be  considered  larger  than  pills  are  generally 
made. 

Quinine  is  rendered  more  active  by  the  addition  of 
Capsicum,  and  in  using  quinine  all  the  rules  should  be 
followed  that  are  laid  down  in  the  use  of  Peruvian 
bark. 

As  a  cure  for  intermittent  fever,  when  the  condition 
of  the  system  is  favorable  for  the  exhibition  of  tonics, 
there  is  probably  no  remedy  of  equal  value  with 
quinine.  This  medicine,  however,  is  so  easily  taken 
that  it  may  be  used  too  indiscriminately.  It  may  be 
continued  until  large  quantities  have  been  taken,  the 
system  at  the  same  time  not  being  in  a  condition  to 
be  benefited  by  its  use.  It  is  for  this  very  reason  that 
so  many  bad  results  follow  its  use.  Almost  daily 
patients  come  to  me  and  warn  me  not  to  give  them 
quinine  as  they  could  not  stand  it.  They  tell  me  it 
ruins  their  liver,  gives  them  headache,  etc.,  and  this 
shows  the  improper  use  that  is  made  of  this  remedy. 

AMERICAN  CENTAURY. — 'Sabbatia  Angularis. 
(Dr.  Comfort.) 

CENTUARY. — Chironia  Angularis. 

Of  the  Centuary  we  have  the  above  species,  which 
is  not  inferior  to  the  European.  It  is  a  beautiful 
annual  plant,  growing  abundantly  in  the  Middle  and 
Southern  States,  and  every  part  of  it  is  medicinal, 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  163 

though  the  flowers  possess  the  most  efficacy.  It  is  a 
pure  bitter,  with  some  little  aromatic  flavor,  neither 
unpleasant  to  the  taste  nor  offensive  to  the  stomach ; 
and  is  resorted  to  by  every  description  of  prac- 
titioners, regular  and  irregular,  in  our  intermittent 
and  remittent  fevers.  Like  some  other  articles,  it  has 
an  advantage  over  the  Peruvian  bark,  of  being  sus- 
septible  of  employment  in  every  stage  of  these 
diseases.  The  usual  mode  of  prescribing  it  is  by 
strong  infusion,  which  is  directed  to  be  taken  without 
much  limitation. 

MYRRH. — 'Balsamodendron  Myrrha* 
This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  remedies  in  the 
whole  materia  medica.  It  is  usually  spoken  of  as  gum 
myrrh,  although  it  contains  little  gum,  chiefly  resin. 
In  whatever  form  it  is  used  myrrh  will  be  found  to  be 
a  powerful  antiseptic ;  having  thousands  of  years  ago 
been  used  for  preservative  purposes,  and  also  as  a 
medicine.  It  is  usually  administered  as  a  tincture  in 
water  or  syrup,  although  the  powder  may  be  given  to 
great  advantage.  Two  grains  of  the  powdered  myrrh 
may  be  considered  an  av.erage  dose,  best  given  com- 
bined with  other  agents.  It  will  be  found  advant- 
ageous to  rub  the  myrrh  thoroughly  with  sugar  be- 
fore making  an  infusion.  A  small  teaspoonful  each  of 
myrrh  and  golden-seal  to  a  pint  of  boiling  water  and 
a  little  ginger  added  will  be  found  useful  to  weak 
stomachs  where  the  food  is  prone  to  ferment.  Dose,  a 
teaspoonful  every  two  hours.  For  deficient  menstru- 
ation it  has  long  been  employed. 


164  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Outwardly  applied,  it  is  invaluable  for  foul  ulcers, 
bed-sores  and  all  forms  of  gangrene ;  best  mixed  with 
powdered  charcoal  and  sprinkled  over  poultices  of 
brewer's  yeast,  or  the  simple  powdered  myrrh  with  a 
little  golden-seal  may  be  sprinkled  into  indolent  sores. 
Myrrh  and  golden-seal,  with  a  little  borax,  may  be 
blown  into  the  throat  of  persons  suffering  from  diph- 
theria; it  will  destroy  the  putrescence  of  the  mem- 
brane and  prevent  blood  poisoning.  Powdered  myrrh 
is  a  superior  tooth-powder,  especially  where  the  gums 
are  tender  and  bleeding.  Tincture  of  myrrh  may  be 
diluted  with  glycerine  and  water  for  external  use,  or 
with  simple  water  (a  few  drops  to  a  glassful)  for  in- 
ternal use. 

Compound  Tincture  of  Myrrh,  commonly  known  as 
No.  6,  is  a  powerful  stimulant  and  antiseptic.  It  is  a 
tincture  of  myrrh,  two  ounces,  and  capsicum,  half  an 
ounce,  in  a  quart  of  alcohol.  It  is  unequaled  as  an 
antiseptic  for  foul  ulcers  and  is  superior,  when  diluted, 
to  every  other  antiseptic  in  operative  surgery.  In- 
ternally, a  few  drops  in  a  glass  of  water  will  prove  a 
powerful  stimulant  in  shock/collapse,  prostration  and 
profound  congestion.  I  prefer  the  Dr.  Thomson  No. 
6  to  the  above  compound,  especially  for  internal  use. 
The  alcoholic  compound  is  best  for  external  use. 

There  is  great  difference  in  the  quality  of  myrrh. 
That  which  comes  from  Turkey  is  of  a  brighter  color, 
and  more  free  from  impurities  than  the  East  India 
myrrh.  When  of  good  quality  it  is  reddish-yellow, 
and  translucent;  of  a  strong  peculiar  and  somewhat 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  165 

fragrant  odor,  and  a  bitter  aromatic  taste.  It  is 
brittle  and  pulverizable,  presenting,  when  broken,  a 
shining  surface,  which  in  the  larger  masses  is  very 
irregular. 

Myrrh  is  actively  tonic,  somewhat  stimulant,  and 
possesses  in  a  high  degree  antiseptic  properties.  It 
constitutes  the  most  essential  ingredient  in  Dr.  Thom- 
son's No.  6,  or  rheumatic  drops — one  of  the  most 
valuable  preparations,  as  a  general  family  medicine, 
ever  introduced  into  use. 

Myrrh  has  been  employed  with  much  benefit  in 
chronic  diarrhoea,  and  diseases  of  the  lungs  or  chest, 
attended  with  a  free  expectoration  and  general  de- 
bility. Its  use  is  also  well  adapted  to  female  com- 
plaints, when  unattended  by  fever. 

The  efficacy  of  Thomson's  No.  6,  and  third  prepara- 
tion of  Lobelia,  in  preventing  mortification  in  disease 
of  a  malignant  or  putrid  tendency,  may  be  partly  at 
least  attributed  to  the  myrrh  contained  in  these 
preparations. 

Applied  to  fresh  wounds,  the  tincture  of  myrrh  ex- 
cites healing  action  and  lessons  the  liability  to  the 
occurrence  of  unhealthy  inflammation.  It  is  also  a 
useful  application  in  old  sores,  ulcerated  sore  mouth 
and  ulcerated  sore  throat,  running  from  the  ears, 
aphthous  sore  mouth,  spongy  gums,  sore  nipples,  etc. 
The  tincture  of  myrrh  is  also  employed  to  promote 
the  exfoliation  of  bones.  In  sinuous  ulcers,  and  cavi- 
ties that  continue  to  discharge  matter  in  consequence 
of  a  debilitated  state  of  the  vessels  of  the  part,  tincture 


11* 


166  THE  THOMSONIAN 

of  myrrh  injected  into  the  cavity,  repeated  daily,  will 
seldom  fail  of  establishing  the  inflammatory  action 
necessary  to  the  production  of  granulations  and  a 
union  of  the  sides  of  the  cavity.  Where  the  parts  are 
too  sensitive  to  admit  the  tincture  to  be  used  undi- 
luted, it  may  be  combined  with  water  or  bayberry  tea. 
In  cases  of  scrofulous  ulcers,  white  swellings,  hip 
disease,  and  wherever  there  is  a  free  discharge  of 
matter  from  a  part,  and  the  system  is  in  a  relaxed 
condition,  the  internal  use  of  myrrh  will  prove  especi- 
ally beneficial. 

After  a  vapor  bath,  and  the  patient  is  rubbed  dry, 
washing  the  surface  with  tincture  of  myrrh  affords  a 
means  of  protection  against  cold,  and  strengthens  and 
improves  the  condition  of  the  skin.  This  practice  is 
especially  useful  in  cases  where  the  skin  is  relaxed, 
and  the  patient  feeble,  as  in  chronic  bronchitis,  con- 
sumption, chronic  pleurisy,  asthma,  dropsy,  chronic 
rheumatism,  chronic  diarhoea,  marasmus,  and  in 
every  other  form  of  disease  attended  by  general  de- 
bility. 

In  order  to  make  the  tincture  from  the  myrrh  so 
that  you  will  know  that  it  is  pure,  take  three  ounces 
of  the  powdered  myrrh,  put  them  in  a  quart  of  alcohol, 
or  fourth  proof  brandy,  and  put  this  into  a  stone  jug 
and  boil  half  an  hour  in  a  kettle  of  water,  or  let  it 
macerate  several  days  in  a  warm  place. 

The  preparation  of  the  No.  6  has  already  been  ex- 
plained. It  is  an  excellent  tonic  and  particularly  use- 
ful, taken  immediately  after  meals,  to  remove  or 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  167 

prevent  flatulency,  and  relieve  oppression  of  the 
stomach.  Ordinary  colic  may  be  speedily  cured  by 
taking  freely  of  the  No.  6.  It  is  an  effectual  cure  for 
ordinary  colds,  provided  the  patient  avoids  exposure, 
and  improper  articles  of  diet.  Sickness  at  the 
stomach,  and  even  severe  spells  of  sick  headache  will 
be  relieved  and  frequently  cured  by  a  free  use  of  No. 
6,  together  with  warm  applications  to  the  feet  to  favor 
perspiration.  It  also  constitutes  a  valuable  remedy 
for  bowel  complaints  in  general.  Taken  after  meals, 
it  will  prove  a  preventive  against  the  summer  com- 
plaint. 

In  deeply  seated  colds  attended  by  a  free  expectora- 
tion of  a  thick  yellowish  secretion,  the  use  of  No.  6 
will  be  found  beneficial.  Truly  there  is  scarcely  an 
ailment  in  which  this  preparation  may  not  be  used 
with  benefit,  except  when  the  secretions  are  sus- 
pended, as  in  violent  fever  attended  by  a  dry  tongue. 
In  the  latter  stages  of  disease,  the  No.  6  may  be  em- 
ployed as  a  restorative,  and  when  there  is  a  tendency 
to  putrefaction,  its  use  is  almost  indispensable  to  the 
recovery  of  the  patient. 

As  an  external  application  No.  6  has  been  found 
useful  in  rheumatism,  neuralgia,  nightsweats,  dropsy, 
consumption,  and  in  all  cases  when  the  skin  is  in  a 
relaxed  condition.  It  may  also  be  employed  to  great 
advantage  in  sprains,  bruises,  fresh  cuts,  indolent 
ulcers,  gangrene,  and  as  a  preventive  to  mortification 
both  internally  and  externally. 


168  THE  THOMSONIAN 

CACTUS. — Cereus  Grandifiorus. 
NIGHT-BLOOMING  CEREUS. 
(Cactus  Grandiflorus.)    (Cactus  Mexicanus) 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

The  flowers  and  stems  applied  locally  are  non- 
irritants.  Internally  it  accelerates  the  pulse,  increases 
its  fulness,  elevates  arterial  tension  and  is  truly  a 
stimulating  cardiac  tonic.  It  is  also  stimulating  to 
the  spinal  nerves  and  motor  centers.  It  is  toning  to 
the  heart  in  simple  dilation  and  muscular  atony  from 
deficient  innervation  and  nutrition  without  organic 
lesions.  It  is  sustaining  in  valvular  disease  with 
dilatation.  In  cardiac  and  general  muscular  relaxation 
with  impaired  nerve  energy  cactus  is  toning  and 
strengthening  to  both  heart  and  nerves.  The  irritable 
alcoholic  and  tobacco  heart  is  sustained  by  its  use  and 
perhaps  mainly  by  its  stimulating  the  spinal  motor 
centers  and  by  its  continuous  stimulation  of  the 
heart's  muscular  action  and  thereby  increasing  its 
nutrition  and  development.  Chewing  tobacco  may 
not  produce  organic  disease  of  the  heart,  but  it  affects 
the  gastric  membrane  and  nerves;  and  in  smoking, 
carbonic  oxide,  ammonia  and  nicotine  are  inhaled. 
The  ammonia  acts  on  the  blood  and  makes  it  alkaline 
and  more  fluid  and  hence  impairs  its  nutritive  proper- 
ties. Tobacco  leaves  the  stomach  dyspepsied  and  de- 
bilitated. The  heart  becomes  weak,  irregular  and 
intermitting.  Palpitation,  pain,  faintness  and  vertigo 
follow.  Tissue  is  degraded,  vision  is  more  or  less 


169 


impaired,  the  hands  become  tremulous  and  there  is  a 
dragging  feeling  or  pain  in  the  region  of  the  heart 
about  the  size  of  a  silver  dollar. 

Cereus  may  be  used  continuously  without  exciting 
any  gastric  irritation.  Small  doses  of  two  to  five 
drops  repeated  every  fifteen  to  thirty  minutes  as  long 
as  needed  will  usually  give  the  best  results,  yet  a  tea- 
spoonful  may  be  given  if  required  without  any  incon- 
venience or  adverse  symptoms.  Its  action  is  favor- 
able. It  regulates  the  pulse,  promotes  diastole  and 
diminishes  peripheral  resistance.  In  organic  cardiac 
diseases,  excluding  arythenia,  when  prompt  action  is 
desired  and  when  other  cardiac  remedies  fail,  Cereus 
is  a  most  effective  agent. 

It  is  equally  useful  in  functional  troubles,  regardless 
of  cause,  particularly  of  nervous  origin. 

It  may  be  taken  before,  during  or  after  meals,  but 
its  influence  is  best  on  an  empty  stomach. 

Cereus  is  quite  efficient  in  mitral  and  aortic  in- 
sufficiency, in  mitral  stenosis  and  exophthalmic 
goitre,  rheumatism,  chorea  and  mild  anaemia,  (i) 

Cactina  is  the  active  proximate  principle  of  Cereus 
Grandiflora  Mexicana.  As  a  heart  tonic,  Cactina  has 
proven  to  be  of  immense  value  in  the  treatment  of 
those  diseases  in  which  the  action  of  the  heart  and  the 
circulation  are  of  vital  importance.  It  has  no  cumu- 
lative action  and  is  agreeable  to  the  stomach  in  all 
conditions.  It  is  indicated  in  abnormal  heart  action, 
such  as  tachycardia,  palpitation,  irregularity,  feeble- 
ness ;  for  the  cardiac  weakness  and  nervousness 


170  THE  THOMSONIAN 

caused  by  the  excessive  use  of  tobacco,  tea,  coffee  or 
alcohol;  to  support  the  heart  in  the  treatment  of 
febrile  and  chronic  diseases,  and  to  sustain  foetal 
circulation  during  gestation.  It  is  frequently  em- 
ployed advantageously  to  prevent  cardiac  depression 
when  administering  anti-pyretics,  anodynes  and  hyp- 
notics. 

Cactina,  or  any  of  the  preparations  of  Cereus,  is 
best  given  with  Capsicum  as  the  two  together  form 
the  best  treatment  in  any  heart  trouble  that  is  possible 
to  get.     The  genuine  Cactina  pellet  is  made  by  the 
Sultan  Drug  Co.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  U.  S.  A. 
GUARANA. — Paulinia  Sorbtiis. 
(Dr.  Lyle.) 

This  is  a  woody  climber,  bearing  a  fruit  about  the 
size  of  a  large  grape  and  is  nearly  filled  with  one  or 
more  nuts  about  the  size  of  hazel  nuts.  In  the  Ama- 
zon valley  it  grows  wild,  but  in  the  Madeira  district 
it  is  cultivated  and  presents  somewhat  the  appearance 
of  a  vineyard.  They  ripen  in  December  and  open. 
The  nuts  are  then  gathered,  roasted,  shelled,  ground 
and  enough  water  added  to  allow  it  kneaded  into 
doughy  rolls  about  a  foot  long  in  which  state  it 
conies  into  market.  (1) 

Guaranin  is  the  alkaloid.  A  stimulating  tonic  ner- 
vine for  sick  headache,  where  the  stomach  is  not 
much  involved. 

Sorbilin  is  a  preparation  of  the  alkaloid  guaranin 
chemically  combined  in  certain  proportions  with 
pure  bicarbonate  of  soda.  This  preparation  is  sold 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  171 


by  the  Yale  Chemical  Co.,  26  West  22nd  Street,  New 
York  City,  U.  S.  A. 

"This  is  an  admirable  preparation,  an  innocent  re- 
liever of  pain.  In  facial,  intestinal  and  cranial  neu- 
ralgia it  is  a  superior  relief.  Also  in  gastralgia,  en- 
teralgia  and  ovarian  and  uterine  pains.  It  assists 
much  in  sciatica,  rheumatism  and  insomnia.  It  sus- 
tains the  heart  and  in  angina  gives  quick  relief.  It 
soothes  and  tones  the  sympathetic  and  sensory 
nerves,  and  in  sick-headache  if  the  stomach  is  not 
too  much  at  fault  there  is  nothing  better.  In  such 
cases  it  may  be  combined  with  a  drop  or  so  of  Lo- 
belia." 

The  Physio-Medicalist  need  not  have  any  fear  to 
use  this  preparation  as  it  is  both  Physio-Medical  and 
non-poisonous.  There  are  many  points  in  favor  of 
this  remedy  and  it  is  the  best  remedy  that  can  be 
given  in  all  cases  of  pain.  It  is  claimed  that : 

1.  Sorbilin  gives  complete  relief  in  a  remarkably 
short  time. 

2.  It  does  not  depress  the  heart  below  normal,  even 
when  used  as  an  anti-pyretic.     It  is  especially  de- 
sirable in  heart  lesions. 

3.  It  leaves  no  undesirable  after  effects,  so  much  to 
be  dreaded  in  the  use  of  opiates  or  cocaine. 

4.  It  has  a  wide  range  of  application. 

5.  It  is  particularly  applicable  to  the  following: 
Hemicrani,    Myalgia,    Neuralgia   (facial,   intercostal 
and  acute),  Gastralgia,  Hysteralgia,  Sciatica,  Acute 


172  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Rheumatism,  Sphilitic,  Bone-pains,  LaGrippe,  Py- 
rexia,  and  Neurosis,  due  to  irregularities  of  menstrua- 
tion, Typhoid  and  other  fevers. 

6.  The  consequent  sensation  of  exhilaration  is  not 
more  than  would  naturally  come  from  the  sudden  re- 
lease from  pain. 

7.  It  is  an  appropriate,  and  even  more  certain,  yet 
harmless,  remedy  to  substitute  for  Morphia  or  the 
Coal-tar  analgesics,  in  every  case  where  these  drugs 
seemed  to  be  indicated. 

8.  A  valuable  agent  in  retarding  putrefaction  in 
Typhoid  Fever,  and  especially  desirable. 

9.  In  cases  accompanied  by  pain,  where  a  particular 
treatment  is  wanted,  it  may  be  readily  combined  in 
connection  with  such  treatment. 

THERAPEUSIS. 

Sorbilin  is  a  chemical  compound,  having  as  its  base 
the  active  principles  of  Paullinia  Sorbilis. 

Physical  Properties. — It  occurs  as  a  very  fine,  white, 
odorless,  crystalline  powder,  either  as  such  or  in 
tabules. 

Solubility, — It  is  soluble  in  cold  or  hot  water,  or  any 
alcoholic  tincture,  and  is  miscible  in  all  syrup  mix- 
tures of  neutral  reaction,  with  Ammonia  Muriate  or 
Spirits  Mindereri. 

Therapeutic  Applications. — Its  most  important 
property  is,  that  it  is  not  a  cardiac  depressant.  It  may 
be  used  without  fear  of  dangerous  cyanosis  or  the 
formation  of  a  habit,  yet  no  drug  is  more  certain  in 
its  effects.  It  is  consequently  a  safe  anti-pyretic  or 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  173 

analgesic  in  cases  complicated  with  heart  failure.  It 
possesses  no  particular  soporific  further  than  its 
arterial  sedative  effects. 

I  have  used  this  remedy  in  many  cases,  and  more 
especially  in  my  practice  of  treating  all  the  different 
kinds  of  female  cases  and  it  has  given  me  the  best  of 
satisfaction.  In  Dysmenorrhoea  it  is  especially  valu- 
able as  the  suffering  in  some  of  these  cases  is  intense 
and  water  applications  do  not  seem  to  relieve  them 
in  many  cases. 

For  the  Neuralgic  pain  in  Diabetes  I  have  also 
found  it  of  value  and  it  is  especially  valuable  to  stop 
the  pain  in  cases  of  cancer  of  the  womb,  ovaries,  or 
other  internal  parts. 

PLEURISY  ROOT. — Asclepsis  Tuberosa. 

This  is  frequently  known  as  butterfly  weed,  or 
white  root,  and  is  that  species  of  milk-weed  of  a 
shrubbery  growth  bearing  orange-colored  flowers.  It 
is  a  valuable  medicinal  agent,  best  administered  as  an 
infusion  of  half  an  ounce  to  a  pint  of  hot  water ;  dose, 
one-fourth  of  a  teacupful.  It  is  the  most  effective  of 
safe  sweating  agents,  and  in  feverishness  may  be  used 
abundantly  until  a  free  perspiration  is  secured.  In 
high  fevers,  where  quick  action  is  desired,  the  ordi- 
nary dose  may  be  given  every  half  hour  or  even 
oftener,  or  if  there  is  great  restlessness,  lady  slipper 
may  be  added.  In  feverishness  from  recent  colds,  a 
little  ginger  should  be  combined  with  it.  For  colic  in 


174  THE  THOMSONIAN 

children  pleurisy  root  and  wild  yam  make  an  effective 
tea  with  a  little  ginger.  For  peritonitis,  pleurisy  root, 
combined  with  a  small  portion  of  lobelia,  will  be  found 
invaluable. 

I  would  hardly  know  how  to  get  along  in  my  prac- 
tice without  this  most  valuable  remedy  and  I  have 
never  lost  a  single  case  of  pleurisy  or  pneumonia  with 
the  use  of  this  remedy  in  combination  with  Boneset 
In  this  class  of  fevers  it  is  my  opinion  that  there  is 
nothing  to  equal  it  in  any  way.  Dose  of  the  tincture 
is  from  15  to  30  drops.  It  should  always  be  given  in 
hot  water. 

OLIVE  OIL. — Oleum  Olivae- 

Olive  Oil  is  such  a  wonderful  thing  for  those  who 
are  looking  for  health.  No  home  should  be  without 
it.  Nearly  everyone  can  be  benefited  by  taking  two 
or  three  teaspoonfuls  a  day. 

The  Physio-Medical  practitioner  cannot  practice 
successfully  without  this  because  he  needs  it  every 
day  for  such  patients  as  will  not  eat  food  that  con- 
tains the  necessary  oil  or  fat  and  certainly  the 
majority  of  his  patients  are  such  as  are  weak,  con- 
sumptive, no  strength,  run-down  physically,  etc.,  and 
each  one  of  these  needs  a  fat  or  oil.  Cod  Liver  Oil  is 
no  good ;  it  is  not  assimilated.  Products  from  animals  arc 
not  to  be  recommended.  Olive  Oil  is  the  only  true  medi- 
cine and  builder.  It  is  natural,  and  is  the  only  oil  or 
fat,  outside  of  that  which  is  contained  in  nuts  and 
cream,  that  is  of  any  value.  When  I  say  that  animal 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  175 

products  are  not  to  be  recommended,  I  do  not  mean 
to  infer  that  such  products  as  eggs,  milk,  cream, 
butter,  etc.,  are  of  no  value,  for  they  are  and  I  have 
found  that  butter  and  cream  are  only  second  to  the 
pure  olive  oil.  What  I  condemn  are  such  products  as 
bottled  beaf  tea,  ox  blood,  etc.  These  are  of  no  value 
and  are  very  often  very  bad  for  the  system. 

For  uterine  troubles  a  douche  of  warm  water  and 
olive  oil  is  very  beneficial,  one  or  two  tablespoonfuls 
to  a  quart  of  water. 

If  you  have  an  earache,  drop  a  few  drops  of  warm 
olive  oil  in  the  ear — use  a  dropper — and  massage  the 
parts  right  well  for  a  few  minutes.  If  you  are  troubled 
with  catarrh  and  the  nose  gets  sore,  drop  some  warm 
olive  oil  in  the  nostrils. 

If  the  skin  is  not  as  soft  and  as  lovely  as  it  should 
or  could  be,  rub  some  olive  oil  into  it  after  each  bath 
and  massage  the  parts  thoroughly. 

If  the  bowels  are  sore,  or  if  an  enema  is  required, 
take  a  quart  of  warm  water  and  add  a  tablespoonful 
of  olive  oil  and  it  will  move  the  bowels  easily  and  is 
healing..  In  preparing  vegetables  as  a  salad,  always 
add  a  little  olive  oil.  Such  vegetables  as  lettuce,  to- 
matoes, onions,  cucumbers,  celery,  cabbage,  as- 
paragus, cooked  vegetables,  such  as  beans,  peas, 
beets,  carrots,  etc.,  should  be  prepared  with  some 
olive  oil  and  instead  of  using  vinegar,  use  lemon  juice. 
Vinegar  is  not  healthy,  while  the  juice  of  lemons  is 
one  of  the  healthiest  things  that  can  be  used  and 
the  flavor  is  by  far  superior  to  that  of  vinegar.  The 


176  THE  THOMSONIAN 

physician  should  not  only  give  medicine  to  his  patients 
but  instruct  them  how  to  live  as  well.  Vinegar  and 
black  pepper  are  two  things  that  I  try  and  get  my 
patients  away  from  as  is  also  the  poison,  hogs'  lard. 

The  body  must  have  a  certain  amount  of  oil 
each  day  and  there  is  nothing  better  than  to  get  the 
patients  to  use  olive  oil,  butter,  cream  and  nuts.  Few 
people  take  the  necessary  amount  of  fats,  and  if  they 
do,  it  is  usually  in  the  form  of  lard,  something  that  is 
really  a  poison  and  is  identical  with  scrofula.  If  the 
necessary  amount  of  fat  is  not  taken,  the  body  be- 
comes stiff  and  ages  much  too  fast.  Stay  young  by 
following  nature's  course. 

The  oil  is  best  taken,  and  will  give  the  best  service, 
just  before  the  meal  and  some  take  it  during  the  meal. 
In  many  diseases  it  acts  as  a  medicine,  especially  in 
rheumatism,  diabetes,  intestinal  and  lung  troubles 
and  many  others. 

Appendicitis  is  purely  an  inflammation  of  the 
bowels.  If  this  oil  were  taken  regularly  and  the 
bowels  kept  in  a  good  condition,  there  would  be  no 
need  to  fear  this  trouble. 

Pregnant  women  should  take  at  least  a  table- 
spoonful  of  the  oil  each  day,  as  it  will  give  them 
strength  and  help  to  bring  forth  a  healthy  child,  es- 
pecially is  that  necessary  if  the  coming  mother  follows 
natural  laws  and  does  not  eat  meat.  By  doing  this, 
she  brings  forth  a  healthy  child  and  also  prevents  a 
painful  delivery.  Meat  and  constipation  are  the  two 
main  causes  of  painful  labor. 


SYSTEM  OF  MBDICINE  177 

With  many  people  it  is  a  hard  matter  to  take  any 
kind  of  oil.  Such  should  take  a  tablespoonful  of  the 
oil  and  the  juice  of  an  orange  and  they  will  find  it  very 
easy  to  take  it.  There  is  an  olive  oil  prepared  by  a 
French  firm  and  imported  that  is  not  only  tasteless 
but  odorless  as  well.  I  use  this  in  my  practice. 

In  stiff  joints,  there  is  nothing  in  the  world  that  will 
do  as  much  good  as  the  internal  use  of  olive  oil  and 
daily  rubs  with  same.  It  will  work  wonders  in  most 
cases. 

It  has  been  successfully  used  in  the  treatment  of 
gall  stones  and  there  are  many  cases  on  record  that 
it  has  cured  of  this  painful  trouble. 

It  is  a  superior  agent  to  be  used  in  all  forms  of 
poisoning  from  acids,  and  comes  near  to  being  an 
antidote  to  all  forms  of  poisoning. 

Olive  oil  is  one  of  the  most  important  things  in  the 
treatment  of  nearly  all  diseases.  In  fact,  we  know 
that  food  is  necessary  in  all  cases.  Olive  oil  is  a  food 
and  one  of  the  best  and  it  is  therefore  indicated  in  all 
cases  in  which  it  is  necessary  to  build  up  the  system 
with  the  food  that  is  the  easiest  to  digest  and  which 
yields  the  greatest  amount  of  nutrition. 
Allentown,  Pa.,  1905. 


ANNOUNCEMENT 

The 
Greatest 
Discovery 
of  the  Age. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  181 


THE   PHYSIO-MEDICAL 

OR 

XttomQonian  SyBtem 


After  much  experience,  a  thorough  investigation 
and  examination  of  all  the  principle  systems  of 
medical  practice,  Prof.  Curtis,  a  graduate  of  litera- 
ture, and  of  a  regular  allopathic  medical  college,  an 
able  lecturer,  and  founder  of  the  first  Physio-Medical 
College  in  the  world,  said : 

There  is  a  true  science  and  practice  called  the 
''Physio-Medical,"  the  character  of  which  is  indicated 
by  its  title.  Its  leaders  are  not  men,  but  the  im- 
mutable laws  of  Nature. 

It  is  not  the  gift  or  invention  of  any  man  nor  com- 
pany, nor  succession  of  men.  It  is  the  eternal  truth 
and  good,  science  and  art  of  God  and  His  inestimable 
and  unequalled  gift  to  all  who  will  thankfully  receive 
and  apply  it  properly. 

Different  individuals  in  all  ages  and  countries  have 
discovered  and  promulgated  more  or  less  of  its 
principles,  and  means  and  modes  of  practice,  for 
which  we  should  render  to  each  due  honor  and  grati- 
tude. And  since,  among  them  all,  I  know  of  one  who 
has  given  us  so  much  that  is  true  and  good,  connected 
with  so  little  that  is  false  and  bad,  as  Dr.  Samuel 


12a 


182  THE  THOMSONIAN 

Thomson,  so  I  know  of  no  one  who  is  entitled  to 
higher  honor  or  deeper  and  more  lasting  gratitude 
from  all  the  sons  and  daughters  of  affliction  than  he, 
of  Alsted,  New  Hampshire,  who  presented  to  the 
world  his  chief  medical  discoveries  and  inventions  in 
the  ninth  year  of  the  last  century. 

Other  men  may  more  clearly  develop  these  God- 
given  principles,  remove  from  them  errors  and  crudi- 
ties that  still  hang  about  them,  discover  and  devise 
better  ways  and  means  of  putting  them  in  force.  But, 
I  repeat,  the  doctrines  themselves,  the  general  de- 
ductions from  them,  and  the  character  of  the  means 
and  processes  of  medication  which  constitute  the 
Physio-Medical  science  and  practice,  are  the  im- 
mutable truths  and  art  devised  by  the  unchangeable 
God  for  the  benefit  of  the  unchangeable  constitution 
of  man,  and  can  never  "progress"  nor  be  supplanted 
while  man  shall  inhabit  this  earth,  and  disease  con- 
tinue to  vex  him. 

This  science  and  practice  is  the  system  of  principles 
properly  called  physiological,  or  those  that  govern 
the  formation  and  reservation  of  the  organized  body. 

(1)  Its  doctrines  are  that  the  human  body  is  formed 
and  controlled,  preserved  and  defended,  and,  when 
injured,  restored  by  the  action  of  an  invisible  agent 
called  the  vital  force;  that,  when  all  its  parts  are  in 
such  condition  that  this  force  can  act  freely  and  fully 
through  them  this  body  is  said  to  be  in  health. 

(2)  The    inability    of   any    organ    to    perform    its 
healthy  function  denotes  disease. 

Hence,  anything  which  may  in  any  way  interrupt 
this  full,  free  and  universal  action  through  the  body 
may  be  a  cause  of  disease. 

(3)  When,  by  ignorance,  inadvertency,  or  unavoid- 
able exposure,  the  conditions  called  disease  have  oc- 
curred it  teaches  the  duty  of  aiding  the  vital  force  in 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  183 

its  exciting,  irritating  and  inflammatory  efforts  to  re- 
move the  obstacles  to  healthy  action,  by  means  and 
processes  that  do  not  further  damage  it,  but  tend 
directly  to  restore  it,  and  to  heal  the  breach,  if  any. 

(4)  It  uses  those  articles  and  those  only,  which,  in 
their  nature,  harmonize  with  the  organic  tissue  and 
the  vital  force ;  and,  in  the  measure  and  mode  of  ap- 
plication required  in  any  given  case  directly  aid  that 
force  in  restoring  its  equilibrium ;  by  judiciously  re- 
moving or  helping  it  to  remove  all  the  obstacles  to  its 
free  and  universal  action. 

(5)  It  regards  as  poison  anything  and  everything 
that  is  certainly  known,  in  authorized  medicinal  doses 
or  degrees,  to  have  directly  destroyed  human  life,  or 
is,  in  its  nature,  calculated  to  deprive  the  organs  of 
the  power  to  respond  to  the  action  of  the  vital  force 
in  the  production  of  irritation  and  fever,  as  antimony, 
arsenic,    mercury,    belladonna,    cantharides,    cicuta, 
digitalis,  opium,  etc.,  etc.,  and  rejects  them  in  toto 
from  its  remedial  means. 

(6)  It  adopts  as  remedial  means  and  measures  only 
those  whose  inherent  tendency,  like  that  of  food,  ex- 
ercise,   warmth,    electricity    and    the    influence    of 
pleasant  company,  harmonizes  with  the  organic  and 
conservative  force  of  the  system,  and,  like  food  and 
water,  may  and  should  be  given  or  applied  in  the 
quantities  and  modes  required,  till  the  objects  of  their 
use  are  fully  accomplished ;  till  perfect  health  returns. 

REMOVE  OBSTACLES  AND  AID  NATURE. 
There  are  three  ways  to  aid  man  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  his  objects  or  wishes.  The  first  is  to  remove 
the  obstacles  to  his  efforts,  the  second  is  to  supply 
him  with  means  best  adapted  to  enable  him  to  effect 
his  purposes,  and  the  third  is  to  inspire  him  to  exert 
all  his  own  power  and  means  in  the  right  direction. 
So  of  every  part,  organ  and  tissue,  of  the  man. 


184  THE  THOMSON1AN 

In  all  cases  of  disease,  there  are,  in  the  diseased 
parts,  obstacles  to  the  free  and  universal  action  of  the 
nerves  and  circulating  vessels,  which  the  vital  force  is 
endeavoring  to  remove.  The  whole  science  of  Physi- 
ology consists  in  the  knowledge  of  the  character  and 
uses  of  the  organs  and  powers  of  the  system ;  that  of 
Pathology  so  far  as  it  is  a  science,  in  the  knowledge  of 
its  conditions  and  wants ;  and  the  whole  art  of  practice 
of  medicine  lies  in  the  knowledge  of  the  modes  and 
the  means  of  supplying  these  wants.  In  some  cases 
nature  wants  only  one,  in  others  two  of  the  aids  above 
indicated ;  in  others  all.  In  some  cases,  all  can  be 
applied  by  one  means ;  in  others  more  are  required. 

SOME  REMEDIES  AND  THEIR  RELIABILITY. 

The  Physio-Medical  school  commends  the  use  of 
heat  and  moisture,  bland  diffusive  stimulants,  inno- 
cent astringents,  of  the  character  that  may  be  taken 
in  perfect  health,  in  all  the  ways  and  to  the  extent 
ever  required  in  disease,  without  seriously  deranging 
the  physiological  state.  Thousands  of  means  and 
many  processes  are  of  this  character,  and  may  be 
used  almost  indifferently;  but  some  of  the  best  have 
been  selected,  as  those  that  may  be  relied  upon,  since 
with  them  alone  disease  is  treated  and  cured  with  as 
much  directness  and  certainty  as  philosophical  and 
chemical  experiments  are  performed. 

Indeed,  it  can  be  easily  proved  that  the  best  phil- 
osophers and  chemists  fail  more  frequently  in  the 
performance  of  their  projected  experiments,  than  do 
the  well  instructed  and  faithful  Physio-Medical  prac- 
titioners in  the  cure  of  disease. 

The  conditions  of  their  experiments  being  right, 
and  the  operators  intelligent  and  skillful,  both  classes 
of  operations  are  sure  to  produce  the  expected  re- 
sults. But  sometimes  the  instruments  or  agents  of 


SYSTEM  OP  MEDICINE  185 

both  are  defective,  and  then  the  results  in  neither 
case  can  succeed.  The  chemist  can  do  nothing  if  his 
instruments  are  imperfect  or  his  agents  impure.  So 
the  doctor  can  not  cure  a  far  gone  case  of  consump- 
tion with  any  medicine,  nor  any  disease  with  spoiled 
medicines. 

AN  ASTONISHING  FACT. 

It  is  wonderful,  a  most  astounding  fact,  that  such  a 
man  as  Samuel  Thomson  should  have  prescribed  a 
hundred  different  remedies  for  disease  (many  of  which 
had  never  before  been  used),  and  yet  among  them  all 
is  not  a  single  deadly  poison,  nor  even  a  dangerous 
article. 

The  only  reason  that  can  be  given  by  reformers, 
called  Eclectics,  Homeopathists,  Chromo-Thermalists, 
and  some  Physopathists,  have  never  been  able  to 
separate  poisons  from  medicines,  while  Dr.  Thomson 
succeeded  so  completely,  is  that  they  adhere  to  the 
"fever  disease"  doctrine,  and  he  rejected  it. 

I  most  conscientiously  declare  that,  no  matter  what 
my  disorder,  I  would  rather  be  treated  in  strict  ac- 
cordance with  the  directions  contained  in  Dr.  Thom- 
son's little  "twenty-dollar"  "Guide  to  Health,"  though 
some  of  them  are  quite  objectionable,  than  by  a 
council  of  one  of  the  best  practitioners  from  all  the 
sects  of  medicine,  who  reject  the  great  Thomsonian 
doctrine,  and  follow  what  is  written  in  their  books. 

I  do  not  deny  that  to  him  that  is  able  to  separate 
the  true  and  good  from  the  false  and  mischievous,  the 
Eclectic,  Homeopathic,  Chromo-Thermal,  and  the 
Psychopathic  books  contain  much  valuable  matter 
that  is  not  in  Thomson's  work ;  but  they  also  contain 
enough  that  is  pernicious,  to  more  than  counter- 
balance all  that  value,  to  him  who  can  not  make  the 
proper  separations,  but  must  take  the  doctrines  and 
the  treatment  as  he  finds  them. 


186  THE  THOMSONIAN 


AN  OBJECTION  ANSWERED. 

The  simplicity  of  the  Physio-Medical  practice  has 
been  considered  an  objection  to  its  universal  applica- 
tion and  efficiency.  It  is  rather  a  recommendation. 

ist.  The  beauty  and  excellence  of  all  science  con- 
sists in  its  ability  to  reduce  confusion  to  order,  to 
extract  philosophy  from  mystery,  and  to  bring  all  the 
operations  of  art  within  the  comprehension  of  the 
ordinary  mind. 

2d.  The  human  body  is  supported  and  health  sus- 
tained by  the  beautiful  operation  of  the  digestion, 
circulation  and  disposition  of,  a  few  organized  sub- 
stances, composed  chiefly  of  carbon,  oxygen,  hydro- 
gen, nitrogen,  prosphorus,  sulphur  and  lime.  All  the 
motions  of  all  the  organs  are  produced  by  the  simple 
contraction  and  relaxation  of  their  constituent  fibers. 

3d.  Disease  is  a  condition  that  prevents  this  full, 
free  and  regular  action.  Of  course,  all  that  is  neces- 
sary to  cure  any  case  of  it,  is  to  remove  obstacles  to 
this  action,  and  excite  the  organs  to  their  proper 
motions.  Whatever  will  invariably,  promptly,  power- 
fully and  permanently  relax,  contract  and  stimulate, 
will  remove  all  obstructions  to  vital  action,  and  cure 
all  forms  of  disease.  As  stimulation  is  nothing  more 
than  rapidly  alternating  relaxation  and  contraction,  it 
follows  that  the  two  motions  in  different  ways  and 
degrees  of  rapidity,  sometimes  relaxing,  sometimes 
contracting,  with  greater  or  less  velocity,  are  all  that 
is  needed. 

Now,  if  it  can  be  proven  that  any  one  article  will, 
by  different  modes  of  application,  produce  all  these 
effects,  it  will  follow  that  this  article  will  cure  all  forms 
of  disease. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  187 

NEW  MODES  WELCOMED,  BUT  GUESS  WORK  AND 
FIRING  AT  RANDOM  SHOULD  CEASE. 

We  may  discover  new  means  of  carrying  them  out, 
and  new  modes  of  application,  but  the  principles  are 
the  laws  of  man's  nature  and  they  cannot  progress. 
Let  these  be  adopted  and  consistently  obeyed,  and 
no  longer  is  there  any  trouble  about  the  "secondary" 
action  of  the  remedies  for  disease;  no  longer  is  the 
physician  compelled  to  guess  at  the  circumstances  in 
which  his  remedies  may  be  converted  into  poisons, 
nor  poisons  into  breast-milk ;  no  longer  to  lift  his  club 
and  strike,  nor  raise  his  gun  and  fire  at  random,  thus 
multiplying  diseases  and  increasing  their  mortality. 
No  longer  must  he  grope  without  a  clue,  like  Homer's 
Cyclops  around  his  cave.  But  emancipated  from  the 
tyranny  of  the  schools  of  physic,  and  guided  by  the 
Physio-Medical  principles,  he  sees  at  a  glance,  the 
character  and  conditions  of  disease;  knows  for  a 
certainty  the  means  and  processes  by  which  it  may  be 
routed,  and  goes  to  work  in  a  scientific  manner,  with 
the  same  fixedness  of  principle  and  certainty  of  suc- 
cess that  he  would  bring  to  bear  upon  the  practice  of 
any  other  art,  derived  from  the  principles  of  its  ap- 
propriate science.  He  cannot,  indeed,  expect  to 
prolong  human  life  forever,  nor  to  reconstruct  the 
organs  of  the  body  that  may  have  been  fatally 
marred ;  nor  restore  the  functions  of  organs  that  are 
totally  deprived  of  the  power  to  perform  them ;  but  he 
can  learn  how  to  restore  that  which  is  capable  of 
restoration,  and  he  is  blameworthy  if  he  does  any- 
thing to  hasten  dissolution,  or  entail  upon  his  patient 
any  chronic  malady. 

SOME  VITAL  POINTS  TO  REMEMBER. 
Remember  it  is  impossible  to  perform  a  surgical 
operation    of    any    magnitude    without    producing 


188  THE  THOMSONIAN 

several  injurious  effects,  each  one  of  which  argues 
against  operations  as  a  means  of  cure. 

1.  The  amount  of  vitality  destroyed  by  the  fear  and 
dread  of  passing  through  an  operation  with  the  opera- 
tion combined  often  puts  cases  beyond  hope  that 
could  easily  have  been  cured  if  the  right  treatment 
had  been  given. 

2.  To  cut  into  the  deep  tissues  of  the  body  makes 
a  severe  wound  in  addition  to  the  present  existing 
trouble.    The  amount  of  vitality  required  to  heal  such 
a  wound  draws  heavily  on  the  vital  force   of  the 
patient  already  overtaxed. 

3.  The  anaesthetic  usually  administered  under  such 
circumstances  still  further  reduces  the  vital  force  of 
the  patient. 

4.  The  pain  and  sickness  caused  by  the  operation 
has  a  similar  effect. 

Any  one  of  these  detrimental  influences  are  often 
sufficient  to  cause  the  death  of  a  very  weak  patient. 
So,  if  all  together  are  allowed  to  have  their  full  effect 
and  the  result  proves  fatal,  it  should  not  be  thought 
strange. 

CONSIDER  FOR  A  MOMENT  THE  CONTRAST. 

If,  instead  of  fear,  you  substitute  hope;  if,  instead 
of  pain,  you  give  ease  and  comfort ;  if,  instead  of  be- 
numbing and  deadening  the  sensatory  nerves  with  a 
poison,  you  stimulate  and  strengthen  with  a  real 
medicine,  the  life  of  a  patient  is  often  saved  when 
otherwise  that  life  would  be  lost.  It  is  an  appalling 
fact  that  actual  murder  is  often  committed  by  per- 
forming needless  surgical  operations,  and  giving 
poisons  as  medicine. 

Young  people  desiring  to  study  medicine,  should 
seriously  consider  these  essential  features  of  this  im- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  189 


portant   question,   before   deciding   what   school   of 

medicine  to  enter,  or  what  system  of  practice  to  adopt. 

FAILURE  OF  THE  OLD — SUCCESS  OF  THE  NEW. 

Why  must  we  resort  to  new  modes  if  we  would  be 
successful?  Why  have  the  old  modes  failed?  Simply 
because  the  means  employed  were  not  adapted  to  ac- 
complish the  end  desired. 

For  instance,  in  talking  about  a  certain  case,  you 
will  sometimes  hear  a  physician  say:  "I  have  tried 
everything,  but  nothing  seems  to  do  any  good."  Now 
the  real  remedy  or  remedies  suitable  in  the  case  he 
may  be  ignorant  of,  consequently,  has  not  tried  every- 
thing. The  number  of  things  tried,  even  if  millions, 
amount  to  nothing,  and  may  have  done  harm,  if  their 
tendency  was  not  in  line  with  the  object  sought.  A 
physician  should  be  able  to  judge  of  this.  Here  lies 
the  test  of  his  skill.  Right  remedies  have  a  tendency 
to  produce  the  result  desired,  but  in  a  million  wrong 
things  there  is  nothing  to  cure. 

One  of  these  authorities,  from  whom  we  have 
quoted,  says,  "All  Medicines  Are  Poisonous."  Now 
real  medicines  are  not  poisonous  at  all.  Poisonous 
drugs  with  which  these  authorities  tried  to  cure  were 
not  medicines  in  the  true  sense  of  the  term.  The  very 
nature  of  poison  is  to  kill  living  matter.  Medicine  is 
a  substance  which  tends  to  heal  or  to  increase  the  life 
principle. 

Poisonous  drugs  irritate  and  provoke  the  vital 
centers  to  increased  action,  and  in  spite  of  the  poison, 
if  a  person  possesses  a  good  degree  of  vitality  a  cure 
may  be  effected.  But  poison  never  adds  any  per- 
manent energy  to  these  vital  centers,  and  in  cases 
where  the  force  in  the  vital  centers  is  very  low,  its 
effect  is  to  exhaust  it  entirely  and  thus  cause  the 
death  of  the  patient. 

Real  medicine  is  a  substance  that  will  increase  the 


190  THE  THOMSONIAN 

energy  in  the  vital  centers  without  injury.  Taking 
this  view  of  the  matter,  which  is  the  opinion  of  the 
foremost  authorities  at  the  present  time,  and  is  sub- 
stantiated by  the  past  experience  of  eminent  men  in 
the  medical  profession,  it  can  be  clearly  seen  why  the 
old  school  doctors  have  been  so  unsuccessful,  and  why 
those  who  have  practiced  allopathic  system  have  been 
disappointed  continually  in  producing  the  results 
which  they  sought. 

It  can  readily  be  seen,  therefore,  if  we  are  to  gain 
our  object,  we  must  take  the  right  course  to  do  so, 
using  the  means  and  measures  necessary.  There  are 
hundreds  of  non-poisonous  remedies  now  in  use 
which  are  being  substituted  for  poisonous  drugs  with 
great  benefit  to  all  concerned.  Many  good  external 
remedies  are  also  available  without  running  the  least 
risk  of  poisoning  the  patient. 

Every  one,  whether  layman  or  physician,  who  holds 
in  his  hands  the  life  of  a  human  being  should  seriously 
consider  what  an  awful  thing  it  is  to  give  a  drug  the 
tendency  of  which  is  to  kill,  while  trying  to  cure.  To 
say  the  very  least,  it  is  an  exceedingly  contradictory, 
and  unreasonable  act. 

Another  confession  made  by  some  of  these  eminent 
men  is  their  ignorance  of  the  real  nature  of  physio- 
logical disorders  called  disease,  and  the  uncertainty 
of  the  action  of  their  remedies;  hence,  their  con- 
clusion, "medicine  is  not  a  science."  It  is  not  to  be 
wondered  at,  that  they  came  to  this  conclusion,  when 
we  take  even  a  cursory  glance  at  the  unscientific 
remedies  and  methods  which  they  employed  in  their 
efforts  to  cure.  There  has  been  a  great  deal  of  false 
reasoning  in  regard  to  medicine.  For  instance,  a 
physician  or  patient  complains  that  a  certain  cure  or 
remedy  has  lost  its  effect.  Now,  if  we  will  reasonably 
consider  for  only  a  moment,  we  can  easily  see  that  the 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  191 

nature  of  a  remedy  in  itself  never  changes. 

This  is  a  truth  of  the  greatest  importance  and 
should  never  be  forgotten.  On  this  point,  Prof.  Kirk 
says: 

CIRCUMSTANCES  CHANGE  BUT  ESSENTIAL  NATURES 
NEVER. 

A  remedy  is  always  the  same  in  nature,  and  will 
have  the  same  effect  whenever  it  is  used  in  the  same 
circumstances.  It  is  not  wise,  merely  to  say  that  the 
remedy  has  lost  its  effect  and  throw  it  aside  as  useless. 
True  skill  in  such  a  case  looks  to  the  circumstances. 
The  remedy  has  done  all  it  could  reasonably  be  ex- 
pected to  do;  but  the  circumstances  have  changed, 
and  another  effect  is  now  required. 

When  we  take  the  common  sense  view  of  the  mat- 
ter we  are  left  free  to  discover  the  real  remedy.  We 
have  seen  the  benefit  of  this  many  times  over  when 
the  actual  remedy  was  found,  applied,  and  the  patient 
cured.  This  remedy  has  often  proved  in  many  cases 
exceedingly  simple.  For  instance,  we  have  put  a 
finger  on  the  root  of  a  nerve  supplying  the  muscles 
to  the  part  in  which  the  pain  was  felt  and  that  pain 
has  instantly  ceased.  We  have  continued  the  treat- 
ment for  perhaps  half  an  hour  or  so  and  the  pain  has 
not  yet  returned.  We  were  told  that  all  our  remedies 
had  failed.  Every  one  of  those  remedies  had  had  its 
true  effect  and  had  never  lost  that,  only  it  was  another 
remedy  that  was  wanted.  That  remedy  was  simply 
pressure  gently  applied  to  a  troubled  nerve.  What 
was  wanted  was  only  a  little  knowledge  of  the  won- 
drous system  of  the  living  frame  of  man.  We  re- 
member a  case  of  violent  suffering  in  which  the  bed 
of  the  sufferer  was  shaken  with  the  sore  agony.  We 
only  placed  a  finger  on  one  of  the  affected  nerves  and 


192  THE  THOMSONIAN 

all  shaking  and  pain  were  gone  and  did  not  return. 
This  was  just  one  of  these  cases  in  which  wise  men 
and  still  more  wise  women  tell  you  that  all  your 
remedies  have  lost  their  effect.  They  have  lost  noth- 
ing of  the  kind.  Only  a  very  gentle  pressure  on  the 
right  place,  and  that  is  no  very  costly  remedy,  and  all 
is  plain  sailing.  It  is  a  most  precious  gift  that  is  given 
to  all  who  accept  it,  that  of  knowing  how  to  pass  from 
a  remedy  when  it  is  not  the  right  one,  and  so  be  open 
to  find  the  true  one.  Let  us  understand  the  real 
nature  of  all  things  with  which  we  have  to  deal,  and 
let  us  work  on  that  understanding.  God  himself  will 
teach  us  when  we  follow  in  the  light  He  gives  us. 

Direct  Medication  in  all  Diseases  now  a  Fact 

THE  MAGNETIC  OXYGEN-OZONE  PRODUCER. 

After  much  research  and  experimenting  we  have 
produced  the  greatest  apparatus  for  the  healing  and 
curing  of  the  sick  extant,  Why  do  we  say  the 
greatest?  ist.  Because  we  are  able  to  give  to  the 
sick  and  ailing :  Pure,  mild,  natural  magnetism,  which 
is  Life  itself.  We  could  not  live  two  minutes  without 
magnetism,  which  in  reality  is  Vitality  or  Life.  2nd. 
Because  we  are  able  to  decompose  water  and  ex- 
tract its  eight-ninths  parts  oxygen  and  by  our  newly 
discovered  force  drive  or  send  it  into  your  circulation 
which  builds  up  any  weakness  by  increasing  red  blood 
corpuscles  by  the  thousands,  and  3rd.  Because  we  can 
give  you  Ozone,  that  component  part  of  Oxygen 
which  is  only  obtained  when  Oxygen  is  set  free  from 
the  water.  Ozone  cannot  be  manufactured  or  in  any 
way  be  produced  by  chemistry,  so  beware  of  charla- 
tans who  put  up  a  fluid  called  Ozone  or  by  any  other 
name.  Ozone  is  the  only  true  Germ  destroyer  in  ex- 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  193 

istence.  The  Imperial  Board  of  Health  of  Berlin, 
which  is  composed  of  the  greatest  living  Scientists, 
reports  that  when  Cholera  Microbe  germs  were  put 
in  an  atmosphere  of  Ozone  they  lived  only  three  (3) 
minutes.  Typhoid  Germs  lived  but  five  (5)  minutes. 
Bacteria,  causing  Diphtheria,  lived  but  three  (3) 
minutes  and  Consumptive  Germs  but  five  (5)  minutes. 
By  our  force  we  can  decompose  water  into  pure,  ab- 
solute atmospheric  Ozone  and  send  it  directly  to  the 
diseased  part. 

By  this  same  force,  we  can  transfuse  any  medicine 
into  any  part  of  the  body.  Experiments  already  made 
prove  that  in  the  case  of  Cancer  and  Tumors  it  works 
absolute  cures.  How  much  better  is  it  in  treating 
any  organ  of  the  body,  to  place  medicine  on  an  elec- 
trode and  transfuse  it  into  an  organ  in  its  pure  state 
than  to  keep  on  swallowing  bottle  after  bottle  of 
drugs  and  medicines  and  which  does  no  good  ?  Medi- 
cine swallowed  into  the  stomach  no  more  affects  the 
organ  it  is  intended  for  than  it  does  your  feet.  Why  ? 
Because  by  the  time  medicine  is  mixed  with  the  Gas- 
tric juice  in  the  stomach,  bile  from  the  liver  and  pan- 
creatic juice  from  pancreas  and  then  the  intestinal 
juices,  in  which  place  medicine  is  taken  into  blood,  it 
is  no  more  like  it  was  when  it  entered  the  mouth  than 
day  is  like  night.  This  is  Logic  and  admitted  by  our 
best  Scientists. 

We  can,  at  one  and  the  same  time,  give  the  patient 
the  three  principals  of  Life,  viz:  Magnetism,  Ozone 
and  Electricity.  No  other  invention  in  the  world 
does  this.  Remember,  the  Magnetism  is  of  the  re- 
fined and  pure  kind.  Identical  with  Human  Magne- 
tism. 

Under  date  of  August  i,  1906,  the  Allentown  Daily 
City  Item  had  the  following  Editorial : 


194  THE  THOMSONIAN 

WONDERFUL  APPLIANCE. 

FOR    RELIEF    AND    CURE    OF    AFFLICTED    AT    CLYMER 
MEDICAL  INSTITUTE. 

"The  Doctor  Clymer  Medical  Institute,  at  205 
"North  Sixth  Street,  has  been  equipped  with  the  finest 
"electro-medical  machine  ever  made,  pronounced  by 
"all  who  have  seen  it  as  the  greatest  discovery  of  the 
"age.  It  is  called  the  magnetic  oxygen-ozone  pro- 
ducer, invented  and  perfected  by  Drs.  Clymer  and 
"Woodhouse.  It  is  a  large  cabinet,  10  to  12  feet  long, 
"divided  into  three  parts.  By  means  of  this  appliance 
"they  are  able  to  give  to  the  sick  and  ailing  pure, 
"mild,  natural  magnetism,  which  is  life  itself.  They 
"are  able  to  decompose  water  and  extract  its  eight- 
"ninths  parts  oxygen  and  by  the  newly-discovered 
"force  drive  or  send  it  into  circulation,  which  builds 
"up  any  weakness  by  increasing  red  blood  corpuscles 
"by  the  thousands.  They  can  give  ozone,  that  com- 
ponent part  of  oxygen  which  is  only  obtained  when 
"oxygen  is  set  free  from  the  water.  Ozone  is  the  only 
"true  germ  destroyer  in  existence.  The  Imperial  Board 
"of  Health  of  Berlin,  which  is  composed  of  the  greatest 
"living  scientists,  reports  that  when  cholera  microbe 
"germs  were  put  in  an  atmosphere  of  ozone  they  lived 
"only  three  minutes,  typhoid  germs  but  five  minutes. 
"Bacteria,  causing  diphtherca,  lived  but  three  minutes 
"and  consumptive  germs  but  five  minutes. 

"By  this  same  force  they  can  transfuse  any  medicine 
"into  any  part  of  the  body.  Experiments  already 
"made  prove  that  in  the  case  of  cancer  and  tumors  it 
"works  absolute  cures.  It  is  much  better  in  treating 
"any  organ  of  the  body,  to  place  medicine  on  an  elec- 
trode and  transfuse  it  into  an  organ  in  its  pure  state 
"than  to  keep  on  swallowing  bottle  after  bottle  of 
"drugs  and  medicines. 


SYSTEM  OF  MEDICINE  195 


"In  a  nutshell,  they  have  invented  and  constructed 
"three  expensive  apparatuses,  viz:  the  magnetic 
"oxygen-ozone  producer,  the  galvanic-electric  ap- 
paratus, and  the  pure,  natural,  refined  magnetic  ap- 
paratus and  by  an  ingenious  switchboard  can  com- 
"bine  the  three  currents  into  one  and  the  patient  re- 
"ceives  magnetism,  oxygen  and  ozone  at  one  and  the 
"same  time,  which  are  the  three  positive  principles  of 
"life. 

"By  this  treatment  a  great  many  people  have  been 
"immeasurably  relieved  who  suffer  from  cancer, 
"tumors,  nervous,  chronic  and  the  so-called  incurable 
''diseases.  A  number  of  rheumatic  patients  have  also 
"been  cured. 

"Mr.  Holliday,  the  inspector  at  the  public  building, 
"whose  rheumatism  has  been  practically  cured  by  this 
"treatment,  is  helping  Dr.  Clymer  to  secure  a  patent 
"on  the  appliance." 

All  Tincture  and  Fluid  Extracts  can  be  used  with 
this  invention  for  the  direct  treatment  of  all  diseases, 
but  we  only  recommend  the  pure  Physio-Medical 
medicines. 

The  Physio-Medical  physician  can  treat  his  patients 
either  via  the  stomach  or  directly,  so  long  as  he  uses 
simple,  non-poisonous  remedies.  In  our  institution 
we  use  the  new  invention  for  direct  treatment.  The 
Static,  Galvanic,  Faradic  Interrupted,  Sinisuoidal  and 
High-Frequency  Currents  in  Electricity;  X-Ray,  Dr. 
Minen  Ultra  Violet  Ray  Apparatus;  Vibrating  Mas- 
sage Apparatus;  Large  Body  Diasolenic  (High  Fre- 
quency) Apparatus ;  Electro-Vapor  Electro-Hot  Air 
and  Electric  Light  Bath  Cabinets ;  also  Betz  Famous 
Dry  Hot  Air  Apparatus  in  Combination.  In  a  word, 
we  have  the  most  thorough,  although  not  the  largest, 
equipped  institution  in  the  world. 


196  THE  THOMSONIAN 

We  are  prepared  to  teach  these  systems  to  honest 
men  throughout  the  country.  Only  a  few  can  be 
taught  at  a  time.  For  further  information  regarding 
instructions  or  treatment,  terms,  etc.,  address, 

THE  THOMSONIAN  INSTITUTE, 

205  North  Sixth  Street, 

Allentown,  Pa. 

Physicians  who  have  lost  faith  in  Stomach  Medica- 
tion can  also  communicate  with  us  and  we  will  be 
pleased  to  give  them  any  information  in  our  power. 

It  is  our  intention  to  make  a  smaller  apparatus  so 
that  every  physician  can  afford  to  use  this  system  in 
his  office  to  treat  all  such  cases  as  will  not  respond  to 
the  regular  treatment. 


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MTERUBRARY  LOJ 

SEP  26IS9S 


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CAT.   NO.   24    I6I 


A 000  522  3854 


WB960 


1905 
Clymer,  Reuben  Svinburfy0 

Thcmsonian  system  of  medicine 


MEDICAL  SCIENCES  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  IRVINE 

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